Nursing Practice in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

Hello everyone, I am an associate professor at a nursing college in Japan.

Currently, Japan is experiencing a severe shortage of medical facilities due to the COVID-19 disaster, so I sometimes go to the affiliated hospitals for support.

For patients with severe COVID-19, the supine position is used to improve respiratory function. A large number of health care workers are required to assume the supine position. However, a large number of healthcare workers cannot be deployed to prevent cluster infection. For this reason, the “Sitting Position without Back Support

(SB)(Fig1),” which I am studying, is used. The “SWB” is performed using a holding device. This allows a small number of health care workers to assume a seated position, which is expected to improve respiratory function.

To all nurses in Australia, please be safe and I will see you after COVID-19 is over.

Figure 1

(This photo was taken with permission from Mr. Hosogaya, RN of Kawaguchi Cardiovascular and Respiratory Hospital, Saitama, Japan)