Alternative Practice Experience in Educational Institutions for Formal Caregivers Trainee due to COVID-19

Abstract

This study is a qualitative study using the content analysis method to explore the essence of the alternative practice experience in educational institutions of the formal caregiver training course due to COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for improving the quality of nursing care worker training and practical application by identifying the experiences of the formal caregiver trainees in alternative practical training at the educational institutions due to COVID-19. The participants were 15 trainees (female, 13; male, 2) of formal caregivers who completed alternative education within the last one year at the nursing care worker training centers located in G and N cities and recruited through snowball sampling. Data collection was conducted through a focus group interview with a structured questionnaire, and the interview data was analyzed through a qualitative content analysis method. Results of the study revealed that four categories were derived: 『Effective education to verify theories』, 『Limited practice education』, 『Regret for not being able to experience various kinds of care』, 『Fear of field work that has not been experienced』. Based on the research results, in the future, alternative practice education in formal caregiver trainee educational institutions needs to improve the quality of practice by developing various contents and expanding the practice time, and systemic supplementation that allows various practice even in limited situations is necessary. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen and review the education so that theory and practice can match the care field.