SARS - A perspective from a school of nursing in Hong Kong

David R. Thompson*, Violeta Lopez, Diana Lee, Sheila Twinn

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new infectious disease with significant morbidity and mortality that has had a major impact on health and health care services worldwide. Hong Kong has had a significant number of cases and deaths. Nurses, at the vanguard of the clinical health care team, have been particularly affected by it. The outbreak prompted the health authorities to implement a series of public health measures and hospital policies, including a guideline for the diagnosis and management of patients with SARS. 

Aims and objectives. This paper aims at providing an overview of what is known about SARS and the impact it has had in Hong Kong and to highlight from the perspective of a school of nursing the major clinical, educational and public health implications. 

Conclusions. The lack of understanding and uncertainty about the disease led to significant variation in the provision of information, contributing to the confusion and anxiety in the community. Therefore, there is a need to revise the nursing curriculum, to provide continuing education to all health care professionals, particularly with regard to infection control measures, and to revisit the range of public health policies to ensure the health of the community is protected by these policies. There also has been a reaffirmation of the importance of health promotion that highlights the importance of the partnership between nurses, health policy makers and public health personnel. It is evident that the organization and delivery of clinical practice, teaching and health promotion have to be flexible and responsive to a changing health scenario. 

Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses must play a crucial role in the prevention, detection and containment of SARS. They will need to implement and ensure strict adherence to infection control measures and, in some circumstances, isolation and quarantine may be warranted. Attention to the psychological state of patients and family members should not be overlooked. Paramount is education of patients, families and members of the public at large.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-135
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing
Volume13
Issue number2
Early online date16 Jan 2004
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Clinical practice
  • Health promotion
  • Hong Kong
  • Infection control
  • Nursing education
  • SARS

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

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