Term of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Leadership (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Digital Commons@Georgia Southern License

Department

College of Public Health

Committee Chair

Ho-Jui Tung

Committee Member 1

Gulzar Shah

Committee Member 2

Bettye Apenteng

Abstract

Background: The novelty and significance of this study is that there is no published study to date that addresses infection control in free clinics due to COVID-19 using a qualitative research format. This research will evaluate changes made in infection control procedures due to COVID-19 to determine which changes should remain in place after COVID enters an endemic state and which should be reverted to pre-COVID protocols to help make wise leadership decisions. The information will help executives be able to evaluate the efficacy of their decisions regarding changes in infection control and the safety of volunteer and paid staff from the perspective of those two groups.

Purpose: This study’s purpose is to gain insight into how employees and volunteers think and feel about changes in infection control policies and procedures due to COVID-19 in a large non-profit organization, OrgA.

Methods: The study used twenty-six semi-structured interviews with focus groups and individuals, gathering and analyzing photo documentation of OrgA clinics, reviewing printed/electronically published materials by OrgA, and field notes from site visits to clinics as data collection tools. All transcripts, including digital articles were uploaded into NVIVO for thematic analysis. The photos were analyzed using visual content analysis based on the codes and themes created in NVIVO. Field Notes were analyzed manually using thematic analysis with the same codes and themes that were used on the other data types.

Results: The results were categorized into four major themes: PPE and Infection Control, Screening Protocols, Social Distancing Efforts, and After COVID Considerations. PPE and Infection Control found that masks were mandatory, infection control measures were increased including fogging clinics with disinfectants, and more care was taken with instrument handling and storage. Screening included temperature checks and a COVID questionnaire. Social distancing instituted the 6-foot rule, use of barrier markings on the floor, and the use of tents as barriers.

Conclusions: Procedures changed during and after COVID including discontinued screenings, mask mandates, and fogging. Participants accepted keeping tents, texting, and sterilization pouches. There are several procedures needing future reevaluation. The study will aid management in doing the best post implementation review possible.

OCLC Number

1519570528

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

Download

Share

COinS