Survey of Members of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science (JANS):
Impacts of COVID-19 on Research Activities and Support Expected from JANS
- 2nd Survey Report -(Survey Period: March 1–31, 2022)

COVID-19 Nursing Research Countermeasures Committee

Survey Report

Version 1, August 18, 2022.
Version 2, December 18, 2023

1

Survey summary
Objective: This survey was conducted to examine the long-term impact of the approximately two-year
novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the research activities of members of the Japan Academy of
Nursing Science (JANS) and the type of support that is required from the Academy.
Methods: Within the period March 1–31, 2022, an online questionnaire was conducted among JANS
members, with the approval of the Institutional Review Board of the University of Miyazaki, Faculty of
Medicine (Approval number: O-0733-6).
Results and Discussion (including a comparison with the first survey, which was conducted from July 1,
2020, to August 10, 2020):
 Consent was obtained from 899 out of 10,041 members (response rate: 9.0%).
 A comparison of response trends revealed in the first and second surveys indicated that the percentageof respondents who stated that the time they spent on research activities was “less” or “much less”
decreased from 65.2% to 54.4%, while the proportion who indicated that their research activities were
impacted “more” or “much more” decreased from 81.9% to 69.3%; however, over half the respondents
reported continued negative impacts on their research activities.
 In the second survey, high-percentage items representing factors that impacted research activities
included “difficulty with in-person contact with study participants” (67.6%), “difficulty securing means oftransport for domestic travel and business trips” (68.2%), and “difficulty entering researchfacilities/institutions” (66.9%). Among all the obstacles, the prominence of both difficulties conducting
research in clinical settings and challenges in communicating with other researchers was the same asin the first survey.
 Similar to the first survey, approximately 80% of respondents in the second survey reported
experiencing anxiety regarding their research activities, and based on the content of the free responses,
difficulties changing their research style and the increased research-related mental burden—given the
prolonged continuation of the pandemic and risk of infection—are thought to have been impactful.
 Some respondents devised various ingenuities such as setting research themes, selecting
methodologies, and forming research teams to meet the needs of nursing subjects and adjust to thedifficult social circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many respondents indicated effectively
utilizing Information and Communications Technology (ICT), collecting data and conducting
interventions, and collaborating with other researchers. Such experiences may have sustained theresearchers through their activities and enabled them to develop new ones. Moreover, sharing novel
ideas and knowledge through this survey report may provide researchers who are anxious regarding
their future research activities with pertinent clues for resolving their research-related issues andfacilitate self-motivation.
 In the second survey, among the initiatives implemented by JANS committees to support members’2research activities, member interest in online JANS seminars (79.0%), a Japanese journal rapid peer
review system (62.0%), and an English journal rapid peer review system (56.0%) were particularly
useful. In light of these results, demand for learning and implementing new research ideas, creating anenvironment facilitating the sharing of actual research activities, disseminating research results, andsupport for researchers’ career advancement through the accumulation of achievements was perceived
during the (post-)COVID-19 period. Conversely, initiatives in which member interest was low included
study abroad grants for young researchers (29.1%) and grants for young researchers to attend
international conferences (34.7%). Despite the difficulty of overseas travel, the primary underlying
factors were thought to be the low percentage of youth respondents and low awareness of JANS’ efforts
to support young researchers. As such, it is necessary to increase public awareness of JANS’ support
for young researchers, not only among the young researchers themselves but also among seniorresearchers who support their younger counterparts and promote the utilization of that support.
 Based on the results of the current survey, JANS hopes to further enhance its efforts in the future,disseminate robust research practices and achievements, and attract members to such initiatives.
Acknowledgments: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all JANS members for theircooperation with this survey despite their busy schedules in daily clinical practice, education, research,and university management.

3

Background
The COVID-19 virus spread rapidly worldwide and was declared a pandemic in early 2020, producing awide range of serious ongoing impacts at all levels of society, affecting both individuals and entire
populations. The Japanese scientific community was forced to conform to rigorous behavioral restrictions,such as working from home due to stay-at-home advisories, remote teaching, and the suspension ofresearch activities, including the issuance of state of emergency orders. According to a survey conductedby ResearchGate within the global scientific research community in March 2020 [1], compared to before
COVID-19, 46% of respondents “spent more time researching and reading articles,” 46% “spent more time
writing manuscripts and submitting them for publication,” and 61% “spent less time teaching.” However,
52% of respondents indicated that they “spent less time on experiments and surveys,” suggesting a
reduced effort invested in “creating knowledge” in the community.
Despite the above findings, regional differences in the effects of COVID-19 are expected, even
within the same scientific community. It has been previously indicated that the burden of educating
undergraduate students, particularly through practicums, was heavier for university faculty members in thenursing field than in other fields, and that a high percentage of women’s research activities have been
negatively impacted by life events [2]. It is thought that the severity of these obstacles to engaging inresearch is increasing due to the impacts of COVID-19. Therefore, examining the impact of COVID-19 on
research activities as experienced by the nursing practice community and establishing necessary researchsupport measures need to be addressed urgently.
JANS conducted its first online questionnaire survey for members in July 2020 to investigate thesupport needed by members to conduct research during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of thesurvey indicated that members were majorly impacted by COVID-19 and experienced a slowdown in theirresearch activities [3,4]. Approximately 1.5 years have passed since the administration of the first survey,
with rising concerns that the research obstacles identified in the first survey had persisted or changed,
thereby exerting long-term impacts on current research activities. Notably, the first survey revealed thateven during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were individuals and fields whose research activities were notas easily impacted and even cases where research activity was promoted due to the flexibility of remotesettings. It remains unclear whether these changes are temporary ones brought about by major shifts in
the research environment or whether they will continue to have a positive impact and eventually become
accepted as a new research style. Hence, it is pertinent to accurately capture the positive impacts brought
about by COVID-19 for promoting future nursing research.
With this aim in mind, this study conducted a second online questionnaire survey of JANS
members to investigate the long-term effects of the approximately two-year COVID-19 pandemic onresearch activities and to determine the type of support required from the Academy.

4Outline of methods

Study design: Cross-sectional online survey
Participants: JANS members who consented to participate in the survey
Survey period: March 1–31, 2022
Ethical considerations: This survey was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Boardof the University of Miyazaki (Approval no. O-0733-6). Survey questionnaires were distributed via theonline member management system. The data of participants who checked the consent box to agree toparticipate in the survey were included in the analysis.
Analysis: Descriptive statistics are presented for all items as a first report. For categorical variables
represented in single-choice items, stacked bar charts of the various options are presented. For categoricalvariables with multiple options, stacked bar charts of “Yes” and “No” are presented. Free responses wereclassified according to their meaning and content, and after deleting personally identifiable information, acategory name reflective of the content was assigned. Additionally, any statement that did not correspondto a question in the survey was excluded from the analysis.
Members：COVID-19 Nursing Research Countermeasures Committee Members
Junko Sugama (Chairperson)

Professor, Fujita Health University

Mari Ikeda

Professor, The University of Tokyo

Kana Kazawa

Lecturer, Hiroshima University

Yoko Shimpuku

Professor, Hiroshima University

Makiko Tanaka

Professor, Yamaguchi Prefectural University

Ai Tomotaki

Lecturer, Tokai University

Gojiro Nakagami

Professor, The University of Tokyo

Hiroki Fukahori

Professor, Keio University

Shinichiro Yokota

Lecturer, The University of Tokyo

Naoki Yoshinaga

Professor, University of Miyazaki

5Results
The results of the survey are presented in graphs and other figures after the questionnaire items below.
Q1. Participant attributes
Consent was obtained from 899 of 10,041 members (response rate: 9.0%).
During the survey period, announcements were made on the Academy's website (10,041 members at thetime of the survey), and cooperation requests were sent via e-mail to 9,985 members (of whom 9,661
received the email) who had registered their e-mail addresses.
Respondent attributes are listed below:

Attributes

Gender (n = 807)

Age (n = 812)n (%)

1. Male104 (12.9%)

2. Female

695 (86.1%)

3. Other

2 (0.2%)

4. Prefer not to answer

6 (0.7%)

1. < 25 years

2 (0.2%)

2. 25 – 34 years

59 (7.3%)

3. 35 – 44 years

186 (22.9%)

4. 45 – 54 years

272 (33.5%)

5. 55 – 64 years

263 (32.4%)

6. > 65 years

30 (3.7%)

1. Hokkaido

32 (3.9%)

2. Tohoku (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita,
Yamagata, Fukushima)

52 (6.3%)

3. Kanto A (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama)

62 (7.6%)

4. Kanto B (Chiba, Kanagawa)91 (11.1%)

5. Tokyo A (Chiyoda Ward, Chuo Ward, Minato
Membership division(n = 819)

Ward, Taito Ward, Bunkyo Ward, Kita Ward,
Arakawa Ward, Adachi Ward, Katsushika
Ward, Sumida Ward, Edogawa Ward, Koto

53 (6.5%)

Ward, Shinagawa Ward, Ota Ward, Tokyo
Islands)
6. Tokyo B (Shibuya Ward, Meguro Ward,
Setagaya Ward, Shinjuku Ward, Nakano
Ward, Suginami Ward, Toshima Ward,
Itabashi Ward, Nerima Ward, Tama region)
6

48 (5.9%)

Attributes

Membership division(continued) (n = 819)n (%)

7. Koshinetsu (Niigata, Nagano, Yamanashi)

29 (3.5%)

8. Hokuriku (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui)

48 (5.9%)9. Tokai (Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, Mie)99 (12.1%)

10. Kinki A (Osaka, Hyogo)

109 (13.3%)

11. Kinki B (Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama)

48 (5.9%)

12. Chugoku (Tottori, Shimane, Okayama,
Hiroshima, Yamaguchi) / Shikoku

75 (9.1%)(Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi)
13. Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki,
Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima,

73 (8.9%)

Okinawa) / Okinawa

Main workplace (n = 815)

1. Nursing university (national)

134 (16.4%)

2. Nursing university (prefectural/municipal)

205 (25.2%)

3. Nursing university (private）

348 (42.7%)

4. Non-nursing university

18 (2.2%)

5. Research institute

3 (0.4%)

6. Medical, public health, or social welfare
institution (e.g., hospitals, clinics, visiting

67 (8.2%)

nurse stations)
7. Other

24 (2.9%)

8. I am not working anywhere / I am notaffiliated with any institution.

Position at workplace(n = 805)

1. Professor

209 (26.0%)

2. Associate professor

148 (18.4%)

3. Lecturer

163 (20.2%)

4. Assistant professor

163 (20.2%)

5. Teaching associate

18 (2.2%)

6. Nursing manager (e.g., nursing department
director, head nurse, assistant head nurse)

Current employment type(n = 817)

16 (2.0%)29 (3.6%)

7. Clinical nursing professional

38 (4.7%)

8. Other

37 (4.6%)

1. Full-time762 (93.3%)

2. Part-time

38 (4.7%)

3. Other

17 (2.1%)

7

Attributesn (%)

1. Not applicable

630 (76.9%)

2. Graduate student at a nursing university(PhD)
3. Graduate student at a nursing university
Currently a graduate student(n = 819)(Master's)
4. Graduate student in a non-nursing university
program (PhD)
5. Graduate student in a non-nursing university
program (Master's)Highest degree (n = 833)

141 (17.2%)
11 (1.3%)
22 (2.7%)
4 (0.5%)

6. Other

11 (1.3%)

1. PhD degree

432 (51.9%)

2. Master's degree

376 (45.1%)

3. Bachelor's degree

15 (1.8%)

4. Foundation degree / Associate degree /Diploma

7 (0.8%)5. Other

3 (0.4%)

1. Yes212 (53.0%)

1. Yes500 (61.6%)

2. No

281 (34.6%)

3. Prefer not to answer

31 (3.8%)

1. Yes275 (33.6%)

1. Yes144 (17.8%)

Currently a researcher withineight years of obtaining a
PhD degree (n = 400)
Cohabiting with a partner or
spouse (n = 812)
Involved in childcare(n = 818)
Involved in the care of older
adults or other family
members (n = 818)8

II. The following items are about your research activities in the past three months (December 2021
to February 2022) while experiencing the social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q2_1. How much has your motivation to engage in research activities changed during the COVID
pandemic? (n = 789)

4.1
0%

10.9
10%

40.3
20%

1. Much more

30%
2. More

26.5
40%

50%

60%

70%

3. Neither/ About the same

18.3
80%
4. Less

90%

100%

5. Much lessQ2_2. How much has the total time that you spend on your research activities changed during the COVID19 pandemic? Please select the option that best describes your situation (n = 764).

3.3
0%

11.0
10%
1. Much more

31.3
20%

30%
2. More

25.9
40%

50%

60%

3. Neither/ About the same

9

28.5
70%

80%
4. Less

90%

100%

5. Much lessQ2_3. The following is an item from a questionnaire survey conducted by ResearchGate, a social
networking service for researchers. How has the time you spend on the following activities changed
during the COVID-19 pandemic? Please select the option that best describes your situation.
(Reference: [ResearchGate survey]:
https://www.researchgate.net/institution/ResearchGate/post/5e81f09ad785cf1ab1562183_Report_COVI
D-19_impact_on_global_scientific_community)

1. Much less

2. Less

3. About the same

4. MoreResearch activities

5. Much more

1.

Literature search

1

2

3

4

5

2.

Writing papers

1

2

3

4

5

3.

Writing grants

1

2

3

4

5

4.

Career opportunities (activities for career development
1

2

3

4

5

such as collecting information and writing documents
related to employment, new career opportunities, or
promotions)5.

Experiments/Surveys

1

2

3

4

5

6.

Teaching

1

2

3

4

5

7.

Lab management

1

2

3

4

5

8.

Collaborating with other scientists

1

2

3

4

5

9.

Purchasing lab equipment (including materials, office

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

supplies, and software)
10. Attending research-related conferences and events10

5. Experiments/Surveys (n = 889)

30.7

10. Attending conferences (n = 890)

26.6

33.0

1.6
5.6

29.1

2.7
33.8

20.9

16.0
2.6

2. Writing papers (n = 889)

16.2

26.1

42.5

12.6

39.5

2.3
11.9

57.4

1.0
6.1

8. Collaborating with other scientists (n = 886)

15.0

3. Writing grants (n = 889)

13.6

21.9

1. Literature search (n = 891)

11.6

22.4

48.9

14.3

9. Purchasing lab equipment (n = 880)

10.1

22.8

52.0

13.4

4. Career opportunities (n = 883)

10.0

20.2

57.8

2.0
10.1

31.4

2.8
1.6

5.1
7. Lab management (n = 881)

10.8

61.3

17.4 5.4

3.6
6. Teaching (n = 887)

8.2
0%

1. Much less

2. Less

33.0

30.4

24.7

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

3. About the same

4. More5. Much more

≫ Participants who responded “4. More” or “5. Much more” to any of the items were encouraged toindicate the reasons or innovations/measures they implemented.
A total of 51 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following six categories basedon their content:

Research plan in preparation for the renewed spread of COVID-19 and plan execution

A total of 23 responses were obtained to this effect. Responses included ones where researchers
expected an imminent next wave of COVID-19 infection and drafted/revised their research plansaccordingly. In addition, some responses indicated that researchers conducted ICT- or mailbased data collection and researcher meetings in consideration of the COVID-19 infection risk,
while also devoting time to literature review, data analysis, and manuscript writing during periods
when the number of new infections was high.


Setting research themes suited to the social conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect, which included responses where
researchers set COVID-19-related research themes or used nursing robots.

11Improving research efficiency using ICT

A total of 25 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Not having to travel due to online
conferences and virtual meetings was time efficient,” “There were more opportunities toparticipate in web-based meetings and conferences,” and “Ensuring opportunities for online andin-person interactions between researchers helped to maintain research activities.”A research-friendly workplace culture

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, including “The workplace environment haschanged such that it is easier to conduct research” and “My superior helped me maintain myresearch activities.”Personal life changes

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, including “There were fewer opportunities togo out” and “I was on maternity leave,” indicating a relative increase in research time.


Other

Only one response was obtained to this effect: “Not only did I get vaccinated and implement
infection countermeasures, I also conducted research involving patients in hospitals, so the hospital
itself was a research facility, and I think there was some understanding.”

Q2_4. How much were your overall research activities impacted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? Please
select the option that best describes your situation in the past three months (December 2021 to February2022) (n = 890).

31.1

0%

10%

38.2

20%

1. Much more

30%
2. More

40%

50%

21.5

60%

3. Neither/About the same

70%

80%

4. Less

7.6 1.690%100%

5. Much less

≫ Participants who selected “4. Less” or “5. Much less” were encouraged to explain the reasons or
the measures taken.
A total of 63 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following four categories basedon their content:
Adopting research methodologies other than the in-person approach

A total of 31 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I shifted my attention to remote
activities, secondary analysis, experiments, etc.,” “I was able to adjust my research methods to e12mail-based to administer questionnaires,” and “Research meetings were held online, andinterviews were conducted virtually rather than in-person.”
Focusing on data analysis and manuscript writing

A total of nine responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I mainly focused on manuscripts”
and “I focused on the secondary analysis of existing data and writing manuscripts on which
progress had stalled.”Adjusting and securing research time

A total of 11 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I conducted my research activities
during non-work hours (holidays),” “I set aside time to concentrate on continuing my research
activities,” and “Meetings were held online, so I had more time to conduct research in thelaboratory.”


Other

A total of 12 responses were obtained to this effect, which included responses indicating that the
respondents were able to conduct research while observing infection control measures at theiraffiliated medical institutions and that respondents undertook research in fields unrelated to
COVID-19.

Q2_5. From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., from February 2020 onward) to the present, howmuch were your overall research activities impacted by events other than the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g.,
employment, transfer, school, leave of absence including maternity leave)? Please select the option thatbest describes your situation (n = 889).

16.5

0%

10%

15.3

20%

1. Much more

32.1

30%

2. More

40%

50%

26.0

60%

3. Neither/About the same

70%

80%

4. Less

10.1

90%

100%

5. Much less

≫ Participants who selected “1. Much more” or “2. More” were encouraged to specify the kinds ofevents other than the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., employment, transfer, school admissions, leave ofabsence including maternity leave) that exerted an impact.
A total of 185 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following nine categories
based on their content:13Workplace/job changes

A total of 97 responses were obtained to this effect. Some responses pertained to employment,
transfers, and job changes, such as “I got a new job in a new workplace” and “It took time to learn
my new field since my field changed.” Other responses were related to increased academic andmiscellaneous duties, as well as difficulty in securing research funds and challenges in improving
the physical environment to support research due to resignations.


Academic pursuits (including being accepted into a new course of study, withdrawing
from school, and studying abroad)A total of 29 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Being accepted to a PhD program
impacted me significantly” and “There was an overlap with my commitment to writing my doctoral
dissertation.” Additionally, some respondents indicated having shorter commute times to graduate
school because almost all lectures were held online due to COVID-19 countermeasures;
however, some respondents also reported that the pandemic impacted their ability to effectively
advance their research in terms of understanding the lectures and receiving guidance from theirinstructors.


Mental/physical illness

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, indicating that some respondents suffered
chronic illness and mental disorders.


Increased time spent on family care (including delivery, childcare, medical treatment,
and long-term care) and bereavement

A total of 46 responses were obtained to this effect, indicating that some respondents were
impacted by maternity leave, temporary closure of nursery/elementary schools, and long-termcare and parental care.
Family members’ workplace/job changes

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, indicating that the respondents wereaffected by a spouse’s job change or transfer.
The research friendliness of the workplace climate including relationships withcolleagues and superiors

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “My superior in the workplace towhich I was transferred had active research, and I was encouraged to engage in research too.”
There was also mention of obstacles to research activities due to inconducive relationships withcolleagues or superiors.
Workplace staffing changes and labor shortage

A total of seven responses were obtained to this effect. Some respondents indicated increased
work duties due to the resignation or transfer of staff.
No impacts due to events other than COVID-19

Only one response was obtained to this effect.

14



Other

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents cited “earthquake,” “funding
through a research grant,” “changes in the teaching curriculum at their affiliated university,” and“moving residence” as additional factors.

15

Q2_6. The following are items related to factors that may have impacted your research activities during
the COVID-19 pandemic. To what extent did these factors impact your research activities? Please selectthe option that best describes your situation based on the past three months (December 2021 to
February 2022).
Not applicable

1. Did not impact (my research activities) at all

2. Did not impact (my research activities) much

3. Neither

4. Impacted (my research activities) somewhat

5. Impacted (my research activities) significantly

1.

Difficulty with in-person contact with study participants

1

2

3

4

5

6

2.

Difficulty entering research facilities/institutions

1

2

3

4

5

6

3.

Difficulty securing means of transport for domestic travel and

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

Factors that impacted research activities

business trips
4.

Difficulty securing means of transport for overseas travel andbusiness trips

5.

Difficulty accessing equipment, literature, materials, data,
computers, and software necessary for research

6.

Difficulty accessing support from technical research assistants(including doctoral research assistants)

7.

Research efficiency lowered by working from home8.

Difficulty holding meetings with co-researchers inside/outside youraffiliated organization

9.

Decreased function of departments, organizations, and institutions
related to research (administration, ethics review boards,
organizations participating in the research project, partners in
outsourcing surveys and research)

10.

Difficulty securing the necessary budget owing to changes to theresearch plan

11.

Difficulty with peer support and communication related to research

1

2

3

4

5

6

12.

Slowdown in joint research with co-researchers

1

2

3

4

5

6

16

Not applicable

1. Did not impact (my research activities) at all

2. Did not impact (my research activities) much

3. Neither

4. Impacted (my research activities) somewhat

5. Impacted (my research activities) significantly

13.

Slowdown in joint research with graduate students

1

2

3

4

5

6

14.

Increased time for research supervision

1

2

3

4

5

6

15.

Delayed review and publication of submitted manuscripts

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

Factors that impacted research activities (continued)(Japanese/English)
16.

Guilt and conflict regarding the inability to contribute to COVID-19
measures professionally17.

Increased time spent on lectures (including preparation andassessment)

18.

Increased time spent on seminars (including preparation andassessment)

19.

Increased time spent on practicums (including preparation andassessment)

20.

Increased time spent on clinical practice21.

Increased time spent on the health management of students andstaff (e.g., checking health status)

22.

Increased time spent supporting students and staff who fear
infection

23.

Increased time spent counseling students and staff (regarding
employment, mental health, economic support)

24.

Increased time spent on management/administration (meetings,
committee activities, open campus, career workshops)

25.

Increased time spent learning how to use information andcommunications technology (ICT)17

Not applicable

1. Did not impact (my research activities) at all

2. Did not impact (my research activities) much

3. Neither

4. Impacted (my research activities) somewhat

5. Impacted (my research activities) significantly

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

Factors that impacted research activities (continued)

26.

Increased time spent on ICT-related support for managers,
colleagues, subordinates, and the organization (e.g., installation ofand support for using online meeting systems)

27.

Increased time spent on social contributions related to COVID-19(e.g., academic society committee activities, public lectures)

28.

Increased time spent on housework related to COVID-19

29.

Increased time spent on infection prevention and healthmanagement related to the effects of COVID-19 in the family

30.

Internal and interpersonal familial conflicts related to COVID-19

31.

Increased time spent on childcare owing to the COVID-19-related
closure of daycares, kindergartens, and schools or restrictedschool attendance

32.

Increased time spent caring for parents or other elderlies due to
COVID-19 (closure of day services and short-stay facilities)

33.

Guilt and conflict regarding the inability to adequately implement
COVID-19 measures adequately due to housework, childcare, orelderly/parent care (e.g., household infection prevention measures)18

2. Difficulty in entering research facilities/institutions(n = 878)

42.9

24.0

1.5
8.4 7.7 15.4

1. Difficulty in in-person contact with study participants(n = 890)

42.0

25.6

1.5
7.9 9.1 13.9

3. Difficulty in securing means of transport for domestic
travel and business trips (n = 883)

40.8

27.4

2.6
10.2 8.0 11.0

19. Increased time spent for practicum (n = 867)

40.4

25.1

1.6
10.16.5 16.3

18. Increased time spent for seminars (n = 876)

36.0

29.9

2.2
10.0 7.4 14.5

4. Difficulty in securing means of transport for overseas
travel and business trips (n = 877)

35.1

3.5
10.3 12.8 5.9

17. Increased time spent for lectures (n = 865)

34.5

29.2

32.4

3.2
10.6 9.8 12.6
4.0
14.4 10.9 12.2

21. Increased time spent on the health management ofstudents and staff (n = 866)

24.0

24. Increased time spent on management/administration(n = 869)

22.2

22. Increased time spent on supporting students and staff
showing fear of infection (n = 867)

16.3

27.7

21.7

13.7 6.3 14.3

25. Increased time spent on learning information andcommunications technology (ICT) (n = 865)

15.8

28.0

19.0

20.5

23. Increased time spent on counseling other students andstaff (n = 866)

15.0

28.6

23.7

12.24.7 15.7

12. Slowdown in joint research with co-researchers(n = 870)

14.9

29.5

15.7

17.0 4.8 17.9

11. Difficulty of peer support and communication related toresearch (n = 883)

13.5

28.9

18.3

20.8

6.5 12.0

8. Difficulty in holding meetings with co-researchers
inside/outside your affiliated organization (n = 870)

12.8

29.2

13.4

24.6

8.5 11.5

34.4

3.8
27.5

18.9

4.5
12.3 9.6 16.1 7.1

20. Increased time spent for clinical practice (n = 872)
26. Increased time spent on ICT-related support for
managers, colleagues, subordinates, and the organization(n = 863)

11.7

25.4

21.3

14.3

13.3

8.8 8.0

50.5

21.4

8.6 11.6

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

5. Impacted significantly

4. Impacted somewhat

3. Neither

2. Did not impact much

1. Did not impact at all

Not applicable199. Decreased function of departments, organizations, andinstitutions related to research (n = 872)

11.1

31. Increased time spent on childcare owing to COVID19-related closures of daycares, kindergartens, schools,or restricted attendance of school (n = 880)

9.0 11.1 8.6 7.0 6.8

7. Research efficiency lowered by working from home(n = 880)
28. Increased time spent on housework related to
COVID-19 (n = 874)
29. Increased time spent on infection prevention andhealth management related to the effects of COVID-19 in
the family (n = 865)

6. Difficulty in using research technical assistants(n = 878)
27. Increased time spent on social contributions related
to COVID-19 (n = 866)

19.3

21.3

26.3

9.2 12.8

57.4

18.9

15.7

8.4 16.0

22.3

24.4

17.6

11.3

19.4

21.7

24.4

16.3

9.8

8.5

8.3

8.2 10.9

17.3

18.6

9.7

28.6

14.6 7.3

41.7

17.6

20.4

19.3 5.9

28.6

14. Increase in time for research supervision (n = 872)

8.0 16.4

22.4

17.3 4.4

31.5

33. Guilt and conflicts in not being able to perform
COVID-19 measures adequately for the housework,
childcare, or care for elderlies/parents (n = 877)

8.0 11.5

8.2

10. Difficulty securing the necessary budget owing to
6.3 8.3
changes to the research plan (n = 876)

16.6

13.5 13.5

19.9

26.7

16. Guilt and conflicts in not being able to contribute to
6.3 13.8
COVID-19 measures professionally (n = 862)

32.1

15. Delays in the review and publication processes of
5.9 9.1
submitted manuscripts (n = 868)

21.1

30. Internal and interpersonal conflicts in the family
4.9 11.1
related to COVID-19 (n = 873)

16.7

9.9

28.9

20.2

22.7

19.6

13. Slowdown in joint research with graduate students
4.6 11.5 14.2 10.62.9(n = 875)
32. Increased time spent on care of parents or otherelderlies related to COVID-19 (n = 873)

36.9

9.6

9.9

18.0

31.3

26.3

21.3

56.2

3.8

7.8 8.7 7.16.4

5. Difficulty in accessing equipment, literature, materials, 3.8
data, computers, and software necessary for research
10.1 14.8(n = 879)

66.2

33.8

27.2

10.4

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

5. Impacted significantly

4. Impacted somewhat

3. Neither

2. Did not impact much

1. Did not impact at all

Not applicable20

Q2_7. Please note any other factors that have impacted your research activities (due to the COVID-19
pandemic) in the past three months (December 2021 to February 2022).
A total of 158 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following 20 categories based on
their content:

Suffering from physical and mental disorders and decreased research motivation

A total of 15 responses were obtained to this effect. Responses indicating physical and mental disorders
such as “Poor physical condition,” “Feelings of depression,” and “Decreased motivation” to engage in
research activities were recorded.
Hesitation to ask medical professionals and patients in clinical practice to participate inresearch

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Since my subjects were clinical nurses,
I felt uncomfortable requesting research cooperation while they were so busy with COVID-19.”

Difficulty obtaining research cooperation from medical professionals in clinical practice

A total of 17 responses were obtained to this effect, including responses indicating that obtaining
research cooperation was difficult due to the increased workload at hospitals and long-term carefacilities.


Difficulty contacting study participants

A total of 16 responses were obtained to this effect, including responses indicating difficulty in contacting
study participants due to infection risk and the inability to conduct in-person surveys because of the“participants’ anxiety regarding visits.”


Inability to enter research facilities/institutions

A total of 15 responses were obtained to this effect. Responses included “Entry restrictions for outsiders
were imposed on facilities relevant to the survey, rendering data collection impossible” and “I could not
visit the office due to infection countermeasures.”

Modified research plans due to unpredictable changes in the spread of COVID-19

A total of seven responses were obtained to this effect, such as “It took time to adjust schedules, so
there were occasionally times when I had to cancel a plan just before the event” and “There weresituations that I thought would proceed that ended up becoming difficult because of the unpredictabilityof the COVID-19 situation.” Some respondents indicated that their research plans had to be changed.


Difficulty securing materials, equipment, and samples necessary for research

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “The use of facilities such as libraries was
restricted, and I was no longer able to browse freely,” “There was less literature I could read from home,”and “The delivery of materials and measurement tools used in experiments was delayed.”Difficulty holding meetings and exchanging information with researchers inside/outside
respondents’ affiliated organization

A total of nine responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Even project components that operatesmoothly when people are able to meet directly to negotiate or consult do not progress because it takes
time to schedule online meetings” and “Conferences and meetings were hosted online, and informal
21

information exchange is not possible.”

Increased workload due to more opportunities to remotely participate in meetings andtraining

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents indicated that remote meetings
allowed for participation without breaks, which led to the tight scheduling of successive meetings,
resulting in more work and a sense of being busier.


Increased time spent on student education

A total of 25 responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents indicated increased time spent
preparing and implementing alternative practicums due to the inability to conduct conventional clinicalpracticums and in-person exercises, as well as more “meetings about changing the lecture exercises
and practicum method.”

Increased time spent on management and operation and student health checks

A total of 15 responses were obtained to this effect, with mention of activities related to infection control
on an organization-wide scale and “student COVID-19 measures (e.g., nighttime infection reporting,measures for close student contacts, information gathering for contact tracing).”Increased workload due to leaves of absence in respondents’ affiliated organizations

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, with mention of increased workload due tocovering for leaves of absence precipitated by COVID-19 infections or the otherwise poor physicalcondition of staff at respondents’ affiliated organizations.


Lack of understanding in workplace with regard to research activities

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, with mention of a workplace environment where
research activities are difficult to conduct, and certain related tasks are not acknowledged as workduties.


Insufficient ICT in workplace

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, with mention of a subpar ICT environment, suchas limited access to technologies for facilitating online meetings.


Slowdown in institutional review board activity and peer review

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents indicated delays in institutional
review boards’ ethics reviews at affiliated organizations, as well as delays in the peer review of submitted
manuscripts.


Increased opportunities for social contribution

A total of eight responses were obtained to this effect, including “Local governmental support for COVID19 countermeasures,” “Health center support,” and “requests for training instructors from hospitals.”

Increased childcare time due to school closure

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, including “Constraints on research time due toschool closure caused by an infection outbreak at my child’s elementary school” and “School closure orquarantining due to COVID-19.” Some respondents also indicated that their children were in close
contact with an infected person and were unable to attend school, leave home, or use a sitter or childcare
22alternative.


Increased time spent on home health care

A total of nine responses were obtained to this effect, such as increased time spent on health care within
the home due to family members’ COVID-19 infection or otherwise poor physical condition.
None in particular

A total of 21 responses were obtained to this effect.


Other

A total of 12 responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents reported difficulties in mobility related
to conference participation and surveys, decreased opportunities for chance encounters withresearchers outside their affiliated organization, and delayed receipt of materials mailed to researchers
overseas.

23

Q2_8. Do you have concerns and anxieties about your research activities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
Please select the option that best describes your situation (n = 872).

24.1

0%

10%

56.0

20%

30%

1. Very concerned

40%

50%

19.9

60%

2. Somewhat concerned

70%

80%

90%

100%

3. Not concerned≫ Please answer the following if you selected “1. Very concerned” or “2. Somewhat concerned”
above. What specific concerns or anxieties do you have? (Select as many items as needed.)
1. Whether your employment will continue
2. Opportunities for teaching and research positions
3. The content and quality of your research
4. Interruption of your research and when it will resume
5. Preparing and conducting alternative research
6. Difficulty collecting research data
7. Balancing teaching, research, and clinical activities
8. Communication with co-researchers
9. Cancellation or interruption of research abroad
10. Delayed degree completion
11. Impacts on applications for research funds for the upcoming academic year
12. The possibility of being criticized for spending time on activities unrelated to COVID-19
13. Mental and physical exhaustion due to inadequate personnel management amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic
14. Decreased household income and resulting social and economic insecurity
15. Career opportunities
16. Other

24

72.2

6. Difficulty in collecting research data

27.8

55.3

3. Content and quality of your research
7. Balance between teaching, research,and clinical activities

44.7

46.1

4. Interruption of your research andwhen it will be resumed

53.9

37.5

62.5

8. Communication with co-researchers

25.6

74.4

5. Preparing and conducting alternative
research

27.9

72.1

13. Mental and physical exhaustion frominadequate personnel management in
the COVID-19 pandemic

20.1

79.9

11. Impacts on applications for researchfunds for the next academic year

19.6

80.4

10. Delay in degree completion

18.2

81.8

15. Career opportunities

10.9

89.1

1. Whether you will continue to be
employed

9.3

90.7

12. Possibility of being criticized forspending time on activities unrelated to
COVID-19

8.3

91.7

11.6

88.4

2. Opportunities for teaching andresearch positions

14. Decrease in household income and3.9
resulting social and economic insecurity

96.1

16. Other 3.9

96.1

9. Cancellation or interruption of
2.1
research abroad

97.9

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%

ApplicableNot applicable25≫ Participants who selected “16. Other” were encouraged to add a free response.
A total of 36 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following 11 categories basedon their content:

Maintaining research motivation

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect, mainly related to respondents’ strategies tomaintain their motivation to engage in research activities.


Career advancement or schoolingA total of four responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents indicated anxiety over theirapprehension that COVID-19 would make it difficult to accumulate achievements, thus impacting
their career advancement, as well as anxiety regarding the feasibility of studying abroad.
Constraints on research methodologies due to infection controls

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Infection control comes first, so inperson or field research is limited. Therefore, I think research methods will be biased, and the scopeof research will be narrowed” and “I am worried that I will contract COVID-19 if I go to the clinic tocollect data.”Effective use of research funds

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I was worried about whether myresearch would progress as expected using the research funds I had acquired.”Domestic and international mobility difficulties

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Although we are implementing
remote measures, when conducting field research overseas, there are times when it is necessary
to physically go onsite” and “Impacts on participation and presentations in the context ofinternational conferences.” Another respondent stated that “My presentation at a conference wasdesigned for an in-person conference, but since it was during a practicum, I could not travel out ofthe prefecture, and I may have to withdraw my presentation.”

Smooth communication with collaborators

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Anxiety about smoothcommunication with domestic and international collaborators” and concerns about the inability totalk in-person.
Delayed ethics review and peer review of submitted manuscripts

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Ethics review has become
extremely difficult” and “Negative impacts due to delayed peer review on the part of international
journals.”

Familial health management or long-term care of family members

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect related to the health management and longterm care of family members. Respondents expressed anxiety over their reduced ability to utilize
long-term care insurance services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

26

Personal and familial infection risk

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents reported anxiety about theirpersonal infection risk in the course of research activities and the impact on research activities due
to family members’ infection.
None in particular

Only one response was obtained to this effect.


Other

A total of five responses were obtained to this effect. Respondents reported increased time spenton education, securing research fields, and issues other than COVID-19.

Q 2_9. Do you have somebody that you can talk to about your research activities amidst the COVID-19
pandemic? Please select all that apply. (Multiple items can be selected.)
1. Manager/senior at current workplace
2. Colleague at current workplace
3. Advisor at current graduate school
4. Manager/senior at previous workplace
5. Colleague at previous workplace
6. Advisor at former graduate school
7. Graduate school classmate
8. Researcher in another field
9. Other
10. Nobody to talk to27

2. Colleague at current workplace

44.8%

1. Manager/senior at current workplace

55.2%

33.1%

66.9%

8. Researcher in another field

16.5%

83.5%

7. Graduate school classmate

16.4%

83.6%

6. Advisor at former graduate school

15.6%

84.4%

3. Advisor at current graduate school

13.9%

86.1%

5. Colleague at previous workplace 12.8%

87.2%

10. Nobody to talk to 11.1%

88.9%

4. Manager/senior at previous workplace 8.8%

91.2%

9. Other 7.1%

92.9%

0%

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ApplicableNot applicable≫ Participants who responded “9. Other” were encouraged to add a free response.
The responses included staff from other departments within the organization, educational researchersand clinical practitioners outside the organization, advisors or peers from graduate school, peers withthe same specialty, family, and friends.

28

Q2_10. The following item is about positive changes you might have experienced in your research
activities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. To what extent did you experience positive research-relatedchanges in the past three months (December 2021 to February 2022)? Please select the option that best
describes your situation.

earlier commute)3.

Found more time for research due to fewer in-person meetings

4.

Found more time for research due to canceled or postponed meetingsor business trips

5. Very much

Found more time for research by adjusting commute time (delayed or

4. Somewhat

2.

3. Neither

Found more time for research owing to shortened commute time

2. Not very much

1.

1. Not at all

Positive changes in research activities during the COVID-19 pandemic

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

5.

Built a new lifestyle rhythm

1

2

3

4

5

6.

Came up with new research ideas

1

2

3

4

5

7.

Explored and tried new research

1

2

3

4

5

8.

Increased opportunities to encounter researchers and findings from

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

13. Use of ICT increased ease of communication with researchers abroad

1

2

3

4

5

14. Increased opportunities for remote research activities

1

2

3

4

5

15. Increased opportunities for remote clinical practice

1

2

3

4

5

16. Experienced the benefits of remote conferences and workshops

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

new areas
9.

Came up with ideas for joint research with researchers from new areas

10. Improved the home environment to accommodate remote research
activities
11. Found more time for research by increasing efficiency through remoteteaching
12. Use of ICT increased ease of communication among researchers inJapan

17. Increased opportunities for peer support communication (online casualcommunication and parties for colleagues or graduate students)29

16. Experienced the benefits of remote conferences andworkshops (n = 862)

31.1

12. Use of ICT increased ease of communication
between researchers in Japan (n = 866)

16.6

14. Increased opportunities for remote research activities
10.0(n = 864)

23.4

8.3

21.4

4. Found more time for research from canceled or
postponed meetings or business trips (n = 866)

8.1

24.5

22.1

14.3

8. Increased opportunities to encounter researchers and
7.2
findings from new areas (n = 865)

26.8

11. Found more time for research by increasing
efficiency for teaching activities remotely (n = 867) 6.9

21.6

7. Explored and tried new research (n = 865) 6.4

25.4

10. Improved the home environment for remote research
6.3 16.7
activities (n = 867)

10.5 11.8

20.7

23.8

29.9

11.8

21.9

29.2

20.4

20.2

17.5

30.5

22.9

22.9

21.8

23.2

19.4

34.3

20.7

34.5

19.5

21.5

21.8

16.9

7.9 16.6

17. Increased opportunities for peer support
7.7
communication (n = 862)

11.7 7.0 8.5

39.6

3. Found more time for research from having fewer inperson meetings (n = 870)

13. Use of ICT increased ease of communication withresearchers abroad (n = 862)

41.8

32.2

23.5

21.6

26.1

21.5

36.0

6. Came up with new research ideas (n = 870) 5.5

23.9

5. Built a new lifestyle rhythm (n = 869) 5.3

19.8

22.3

21.2

31.4

9. Came up with ideas for joint research with
5.2 18.9
researchers from new areas (n = 864)

21.2

27.2

27.5

1. Found more time for research from adjusting
5.2 9.7 14.3
commute times (n = 872)
15. Increased opportunities for remote clinical practice(n = 858)
2. Found more time for research from adjusting
commute times (n = 868)

3.6
9.2

20.0

22.4

3.2
7.9 16.0

23.8

22.5

21.0

20.7

50.8

42.3

51.8

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

5. Very much

4. Somewhat

3. Neither30

2. Not very much

1. Not at allQ2_11. Please identify any other positive changes to your research activities that you have experienced.
A total of 100 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following nine categories basedon their content:Creating and starting new research ideas

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I had the idea for nursing research on
the theme of nursing activities amidst the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic,” “I had
opportunities to undertake systematic reviews, for which I did not have much experience,” and “Iconducted online questionnaire surveys and gained a certain degree of know-how.”

Improved research motivation through opinion exchange and interaction with researchers inother fields

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I got to know researchers in otherfields and received stimulating advice” and “I am proceeding with research with people with whom I
could not connect until now.”

Building joint research teams

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, with mentions of “Multi-center joint research” and“More requests for joint research and research cooperation.”

Decreased transportation cost burden

A total of five responses were obtained to this effect, such as “There is no need to spend on travel andmeeting expenses, etc.” and “Because I was able to conduct international interviews online, businesstrip and time costs have decreased considerably.”

Increased research time due to less outings and working from home

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Research time became flexible,
especially while working from home.” Respondents also reported having more research time due tothe lower incidence of social events such as drinking parties, hometown visits, and children’s events.
Improved research efficiency using ICT (including meetings, participation in conferences
and training, and data collection)

A total of 45 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Academic society meetings began to beheld online, and I was able to participate in multiple conferences on my own schedule” and “I was
surprised that there ended up being so many meetings that didn’t need to be done in person; there
was no transit time, and meetings became easier to manage in terms of time.” Another response was“The COVID-19 pandemic front-loaded research schedules, and it became possible to implement
flexible schedules for risk management and to consider alternatives for research methods during
periods of high infectivity.”Improved ICT literacy (self and others)

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, with mentions of “improved ICT skills” and “anincreased number of people who can use ICT.”None in particular

A total of 24 responses were obtained to this effect.
31



Other

A total of ten responses were obtained to this effect. The responses included reflecting on changes in
the respondents themselves, for example, “It was an opportunity to re-examine myself as a medical
professional with national qualifications and review my career.” Respondents also reported an improved
work-life balance. Furthermore, respondents mentioned changes in the workplace environment, suchas “improvement in the workplace ICT environment due to remote measures.”32

Q2_12. Please describe any innovations you have implemented to smooth your research progress during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 146 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following ten categories based on
their content:Innovative research themes

A total of 12 responses were obtained to this effect. Responses regarding innovations in research theme
setting due to difficulties in conducting in-person surveys and interventions as well as COVID-19-related
theme setting were reported, such as “We organized research content to enable basic research, sinceclinical research became difficult” and “Support utilizing online tools became a major theme.”
Respondents also reported using the findings of intra-university and online practicums to informresearch topics, since clinical practice was no longer possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research methodology selection and modification

A total of 63 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Changes in research subjects,” “Shiftingfrom in-person to online training,” and “Implementation of online interviews.” Responses also included
data collection with the aid of doctoral research assistants, the implementation of infection control
measures during doctoral research assistants’ hospital visits, and the investigation of PCR testing costs.
Innovations in research team composition

A total of four responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Research teams were as compact as
possible” and “We employed human resources who could provide local research support.”


Research collaboration among organizations

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Access to facilities was difficult when trying
to advance human-focused research, so we requested a single representative of a cooperating facility
to provide activity assistance” and “We were able to help secure research facilities through graduatesand other contacts.”
Research schedule/task management

A total of 12 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “We clarified our discussion content, settasks, determined who would do what until when, and monitored progress through online meetings,”“We adjusted research implementation periods,” and “We conducted multiple literature reviews with aneye to when survey administration could be resumed.”

ICT-assisted research meetings

A total of 34 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Meetings with collaborators could be held
during holidays via Zoom, and schedule adjustments were better accommodated” and “Close
communication was possible via e-mail and SNS.”

ICT-assisted data management and work with collaborators

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, namely, “Data sharing via shared folders” and “I
was able to utilize the cloud and engage in document sharing.”


Reviewing lifestyle and the research environment

A total of five responses were obtained to this effect, such as “I reviewed my time management every
33

week,” “I tried to create even a few minutes of research time by sleeping less or going to work early inthe morning,” “I tried to create an environment where I could concentrate while working at home,” and“I started using a cloud service for data management, so that I could write seamlessly between thelaboratory and my home.”None in particular

A total of 19 responses were obtained to this effect.


Other

A total of five responses were obtained to this effect, such as “We expressed our gratitude for the staff’s
hard work writing research requests and their general cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic,”“There were many opportunities to share information with other researchers,” and “Spending time writing
papers and reviewing the literature relating to previous research results.”

Q2_13. Please describe any new activities that you conducted in collaboration with researchers andpractitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 65 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following seven categories basedon their content:

Understanding issues in clinical practice and setting-related research themes

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Currently surveying ‘problems with COVID19 countermeasures in clinical practice’ as a research theme” and “Planning a COVID-19 impact survey
using practical data.” Specifically, respondents indicated planning and implementing research on
infection measures in dialysis rooms, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities,
and the mental health of health care workers.
Provision of useful evidence to medical and long-term care professionals

A total of ten responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Providing evidence for COVID-19 infection
measures in facilities for the older people,” “Creation of guidelines,” and “Launching consultation
services for medical professionals.”

Provision of useful information to local residents and innovations for gatherings

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, which included “I gave lectures on living in an
evacuation center while implementing infection control measures,” “I started a support activity group for
so-called double-carers engaged in both childcare and long-term care,” and another response
mentioning the online implementation of patient communication salons.


Research guidance for clinical professions

A total of two responses were obtained to this effect, with one mention of the provision of support for
research formulation and implementation.
Support for health centers and the administration of COVID-19 countermeasures

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “We held online conferences with hospitals,
certified nursing specialist, and researchers and discussed how to deal with COVID-19-positive34

individuals,” “Support for health center work duties (e.g., active epidemiological surveys),” and“vaccination support.”None in particular

A total of 33 responses were obtained to this effect.


Other

A total of eight responses were obtained to this effect, such as “A new review team was created,”“Establishment of an advanced practice nurses promotion council and the implementation of regularmeetings,” and “The planning and hosting of online workshops.”

35

III．Research publication status over the past two years
Q3_1. Number of peer-reviewed papers (in Japanese) (including accepted papers)

Total number of papers in FY 2020 (n = 684)

42.0

Total number of papers in FY 2021 (n = 697)

38.3

30.7

31.7

15.2

12.0

16.9

12.9
1.3

Total number of first-author papers in FY 2020
(n = 599)

62.4

Total number of first-author papers in FY 2021
(n = 615)

59.3
0%

0

31.6

4.7

32.5

1.8
6.3

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
1

2

3 or more

Q3_2. Number of peer-reviewed papers (in English) (including accepted papers)

Total number of papers in FY 2020 (n = 646)

74.6

14.4 4.07.0

Total number of papers in FY 2021 (n = 660)

71.1

13.9 6.1 8.9
1.3

Total number of first-author papers in FY 2020
(n = 543)

85.8

12.0 0.9
3.9

Total number of first-author papers in FY 2021
(n = 566)

82.5
0%

0

11.8 1.8

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
1

36

2

3 or more

Q3_3. Number of presentations given at domestic conferences as the lead speaker (including
presentations at symposiums, keynote speeches, and presentations scheduled to occur by the end of
March 2022)

Number of domestic conference presentations
given as the lead speaker in FY 2020 (n = 698)

47.0

29.1

14.5

Number of domestic conference presentations
given as the lead speaker in FY 2021 (n = 708)

45.1

29.7

13.3 10.9

Number of international conference presentations
given as the lead speaker in FY 2020 (n = 654)

Number of international conference presentations
given as the lead speaker in FY 2021 (n = 660)

8.7

84.1

2.4
12.7 0.8

81.4

3.8
13.2 1.7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

0

1

37

2

3 or moreIV．Initiatives implemented by JANS committees
Q4_1. The JANS is discussing providing support for members’ research activities during the COVID-19
pandemic. What kind of support do you want? Please select the option that best describes your thoughts
regarding the type of support that you need.
5. Very much needed

conferences

4. Needed

Grants for young researchers to attend international

3. Somewhat needed2.

2. Neither

Young researcher association mailing list

1. Not needed

1.

0. I do not know

JANS' support for members’ research activities

0

1

2

3

4

5

0

1

2

3

4

5

3.

Grants for young researchers to study abroad

0

1

2

3

4

5

4.

Japanese journal rapid peer review system

0

1

2

3

4

5

5.

English journal rapid peer review system

0

1

2

3

4

5

6.

Online JANS seminars

0

1

2

3

4

5

7.

Award for an excellent presentation by a young

0

1

2

3

4

5

researcher in an academic conference8.

Support for creating clinical practice guidelines

0

1

2

3

4

5

9.

Systematic review team support

0

1

2

3

4

5

0

1

2

3

4

5

0

1

2

3

4

5

10. A large-scale research funding support system
11. Academic society-led research project involving analysisof acquired survey data and manuscript writing

38

0.5
6. Online JANS seminars (n = 833)

28.3

50.7

11.9 4.3 4.3
1.6

4. Japanese journal rapid peer review system(n = 837)

19.5

42.5

13.7 6.3

16.4

2.0
5. English journal rapid peer review system(n = 836)

16.5

39.5

17.2 8.0

16.7
1.0

9. Systematic review team support (n = 833)

15.5

10. Large-scale research funding support system(n = 827)

11.6

40.1

34.9

8.4

16.3

1.8
11.6 14.1

25.9

1.1

11. Academic society-led research project involving
analysis of acquired survey data and manuscript
writing (n = 832)

11.2

8. Support for creating clinical practice guidelines(n = 836)

8.1

30.9

7. Award for an excellent presentation by a young
7.4
researcher in an academic conference (n = 838)

35.9

1. Young researcher association mailing list
7.2
(n = 838)
2. Grants for young researchers (grants for attending
7.0
international conferences) (n = 841)
3. Grants for young researchers (grants to study
6.1
abroad) (n = 832)
0%5. Very much needed
2. Neither

18.7

4. Needed
1. Not needed

39

35.9

18.9

27.7

23.0

22.2

27.5

26.1

22.9

20.4

25.1

28.0

8.5

21.0

15.3 2.2 16.0

16.8 4.1 9.7

7.3

23.4

21.3

8.4 10.5

23.4

8.7 10.8

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

3. Somewhat needed
0. I do not know

V．Allocation of work time among full-time employees at a nursing university.
Q5_1. Are you currently a full-time employee at a nursing university? (n = 815)

81.3

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

18.7

50%
1. Yes

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2. No

Q5_2. How have you allocated your work time in the past three months (December 2021 to February2022) amongst your research, education, management and operation, and social responsibility
activities? Please indicate your allocations in percentages (%) so that they add up to a total of 100%.

*Means noted in parentheses (As these are means for various items, the total does not equal 100%.)
Calculated using only data from respondents whose total allocations equaled 100% (n = 640)

2. Teaching (lectures, practicum, seminars)

50.4%

3. Management and administrations (meetings,
committees in the university, and open campus days)

20.5%

1. Research (literature search, surveys/experiments, andwriting manuscripts/research supervision)

17.7%

4. Social contributions (e.g., academic society committee
activities, public lectures)

7.6%

5. Clinical practice

2.6%

6. Other

1.3%

0%

40

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

≫ Participants who responded “6. Other” were encouraged to add a free response.
The responses included club activity guidance, mental support for students, peer support andconsultation, community activities relating to COVID-19 (health checks and vaccination), job search,housework, and childcare.

Q5_3. Are you in a leadership position (e.g., professor, field director) in relation to young faculty
members? Please answer according to your own judgment (n = 682).

34.6

0%

10%

20%

65.4

30%

40%

50%
1. Yes

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2. No

≫ Participants who responded “1. Yes” were encouraged to specify their innovations for securing
research opportunities for young researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic (given that the resultsof the first survey indicated that the research activities of young faculty members, such as assistantprofessors and assistants, were unlikely to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic).
A total of 107 responses were obtained, which were classified into the following nine categories
based on their content:

Modifying work duties and shortening meeting times to secure research time

A total of 48 responses were obtained to this effect, with mentions of shortening meeting durations
and adjusting work duties. Responses such as “I usually tell myself to work on my own research
topics during times when I am not preparing for classes or supporting students” were obtained.


Securing joint research opportunities

A total of seven responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Getting others involved in myresearch projects and participating in research methodologies and researcher networks,” “Choosing
research coordinators and collaborators for the research I am working on based on the research
theme toward which a particular faculty member is inclined,” and “Providing collaborative research
opportunities.”Regular meetings and reading sessions

A total of 20 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Regularly checking research progress
regarding the themes we are working on,” “Timely communication and progress monitoring,” and“Monthly abstract reading sessions.”41



Support for manuscript writing and submission

A total of eight responses were obtained to this effect, with mentions of “Manuscript writing support”
and “Manuscript submission support.”Support for obtaining research funding

A total of 14 responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Support for obtaining Grants-in-Aid
for Scientific Research” and “Support for preparing documents to obtain external funding.”
Responses regarding the provision of consistent support, from research funding acquisition support
to manuscript submission support, such as “We provided consultations to the extent possible, frompreliminary surveys for scientific research grant applications to guidance for sub-investigators, andfor the planning, analysis, and submission of manuscripts, even after selection for a scientificresearch grant as funding” were obtained.


Support for participation (including giving presentations) at domestic and international
conferences

A total of six responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Recommended to participate inconferences” and “Encouraged to present at conferences.” Another response was “International
abstract writing guidance and the provision of an e-poster template.”Support for applying to graduate school and the pursuit of other academic achievements

A total of three responses were obtained to this effect, such as “Encouragement to complete a PhD
program” and “Secure time for research activities, with maximal consideration of young faculty
currently enrolled in a PhD program.”None in particular

A total of 11 responses were obtained to this effect.


Other

A total of 11 responses were obtained to this effect. Responses relating to direct support for young
faculty members, such as “Receiving research guidance alongside graduate students,” “Provisionof support similar to normal times,” and “Switching to themes and methods that are feasible during
the COVID-19 pandemic,” were obtained. In addition, responses relating to support andsustainability, such as “The presence of support system at universities” and “Establishing a system
where a specially appointed professor who is skilled at research gives research consultations toyoung faculty members,” were obtained.

42

VI．Research performance status of KAKENHI and other research funds during the COVID-19
pandemic
Q6_1. Have you received KAKENHI (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology/Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research) as theprincipal investigator for the present fiscal year (FY 2021) (includes ongoing research projects started inearlier years) (n = 814)?

48.6

0%

10%

20%

51.4

30%

40%

50%
1. Yes

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2. No

Q6_2. Have you obtained any other research funds (e.g., Health and Labour Sciences Research Grants
from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, Japan Agency for Medical Research andDevelopment [AMED] grants, private grants, competitive research grants within your own organization)
for the present fiscal year (FY 2021) as a principal investigator (including ongoing research projects)?
This does not include basic expenses (i.e., non-competitive research expenses) allocated by yourorganization (n = 810).

15.9

0%

10%

84.1

20%

30%

40%

50%
1. Yes

43

60%
2. No

70%

80%

90%

100%

VII. Recent mental health status and attitude toward life
Q7_1. The following is about your mental health. How often have you felt the following in the past 30
days? (K6 mental health screening scale-Japanese version)
0. None of the time

1. A little of the time

2. Some of the time

3. Most of the time

4. All of the time

1. ...nervous?

0

1

2

3

4

2. ...hopeless?

0

1

2

3

4

3. ...restless or fidgety?

0

1

2

3

4

4. ...so depressed that nothing could cheer you up?

0

1

2

3

4

5. …that everything requires considerable effort?

0

1

2

3

4

6. ...worthless?

0

1

2

3

4

During the past 30 days, about how often did you feel …

*A higher score indicates a stronger depressive tendency and a higher degree of anxiety.
Analysis of the data of respondents who answered all six items (n = 816)
Median (interquartile range) value of the total score of all respondents: 5.0 (1.0–9.0) points
Percentage of all respondents with a total score of nine points or higher (i.e., high possibility ofdepression or anxiety disorder): 27.0%
Analysis of the data of respondents in nursing universities by attribute (n = 672)
The results of comparing the total K6 scores by attribute indicated that the K6 scores of lecturers,
assistant professors, and teaching associates were statistically significantly higher than those of
professors and associate professors. There were no differences by employment type.
Median (interquartile range)
Lecturer/AssistantProfessor/Associate professor (n = 330)

professor/Teaching associate

p-value(n = 338)
4.0 (1.0–8.8)

5.0 (2.0–10.0)

Mann-Whitney U test

44

0.044

Median (interquartile range)
Full time (n = 648)

Part time/Other (n = 17)

5.0 (2.0–9.0)

5.0(2.0–6.0)

p-value
0.638

Mann-Whitney U test
Analysis of the data of respondents belonging to medical, health, and welfare organizations (e.g.,
hospitals, clinics, home-visit nursing stations) by attribute (n = 66)
The results of comparing the total K6 scores by attribute indicated that the K6 scores of nursing managers
tended to be lower compared to those of others; however, no statistically significant differences wereobserved. There were no differences by employment type.

Median (interquartile range)
Nursing manager (e.g., nursing

Clinical nursing professional

department director, head nurse,(n = 37)

assistant head nurse) (n = 29)
2.0 (0.0–6.0)

4.0 (2.0–9.0)

p-value

0.097

Mann-Whitney U test
Median (interquartile range)
Full time (n = 55)

Part time / Other (11)3.0 (0.0–9.5)

4.0

Mann-Whitney U test

45

(1.0–5.0)

p-value
0.882

Q7_2. The following is about how you feel about your life. Please select the number that best describes
your feelings for each of the following, (A) to (C). (University of Tokyo Health Sociology version of the
SOC3 scale)difficulties and problems.

7. Not applicable at all

1. Highly applicable(A) I believe that I can find solutions to everyday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

(B) I believe that the difficulties and problems
that arise in life are worth confronting andaddressing.
(C) I think that I can understand and predict thedifficulties and problems that arise in daily life.

A lower score indicates the ability to not only successfully overcome various difficulties but also to use
those experiences as a form of self-support. A study that randomly sampled and surveyed Japanesepeople aged between 20 and 40 years showed that this survey subject group tended to have a lower
SOC score (i.e., the tendency to successfully overcome various difficulties and the ability to use thoseexperiences as a form of self-support), with an average score of 14.8–15.0 points for men and 14.7–15.0
points for women [5].
An analysis using the data of respondents who answered all three items or responded to each item:
Median (interquartile range) of total score: 8.0 (6.0–11.0) points (n = 818)
Median (interquartile range) for item (A): 2.0 (2.0–4.0) points (n = 831)
Median (interquartile range) for item (B): 2.0 (1.0–3.0) points (n = 828)
Median (interquartile range) for item (C): 3.0 (2.0–4.0) points (n = 827)46

Discussion
The current survey aimed to determine the impact of the approximately two-year COVID-19 pandemic on
the research and education activities and practices of members of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science(JANS) and to identify the challenges faced by members and the innovations they generated andimplemented under these difficult circumstances. The results of this survey will serve as valuable sources
to inform suggestions when investigating the mitigation of adverse impacts and planning the Academy’s
support for nursing researchers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research activities
A comparison of response trends between the first and second surveys suggests that the percentage of
respondents who indicated that the time they spent on research activities decreased “somewhat” or “verymuch” decreased from 65.2% to 54.4%, while the proportion of those who indicated that their research
activities were impacted “more” or “much more” decreased from 81.9% to 69.3%; however, there were
continued negative impacts on research activities for over half the respondents [3]. Additionally, in thesecond survey, among the factors that impacted research activities, items with particularly highpercentages included “difficulty with in-person contact with study participants” (67.6%), “difficulty securingmeans of transport for domestic travel and business trips” (68.2%), and “difficulty entering researchfacilities/institutions” (66.9%). Among all obstacles to research reported, the difficulty in conducting
research in clinical settings and challenges in communicating with other researchers were as prominent in
the second survey as in the first. Furthermore, in both surveys, 80% of the respondents reported
experiencing anxiety over their research activities, and the content of the free responses suggests that thedifficulties associated with changing one’s style of conducting research and the increased mental burden
regarding research activities given the risks of both the pandemic’s persistence and re-infection were
impactful.
In the second survey, the results of the analysis of respondents’ mental health (K6 score) data by
attribute indicated that individuals involved in organizational management (professors and associate
professors belonging to nursing universities and nursing managers at medical, health, and welfareorganizations) tended to have a lower K6 score (i.e., a lower tendency toward depression and anxiety)than others (lecturers, assistant professors, and teaching associates belonging to nursing universities andnursing staff working in clinical practice at medical, health, and welfare organizations). An underlying factor
regarding this finding is that individuals belonging to the latter group were more impacted by the increased
time requirements for nursing education and clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. A second
factor is that the latter group is presumed to include a higher proportion of younger researchers, many ofwhom are in the process of improving their research expertise, building researcher networks, anddeveloping their careers. Therefore, it is believed that they are likely to experience greater anxiety
regarding their research activities amidst the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
Some respondents devised various ingenuities such as setting research themes, selecting
methodologies, and forming research teams to meet the needs of nursing subjects and adapt to the social
47

circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many respondents indicated that they used ICT effectively,
collected data and conducted interventions, and collaborated with researchers. Such experiences may
have enabled the researchers to continue engaging in research activities. This survey report aims toprovide pertinent clues to researchers who are feeling anxious and demotivated about their future research
directions. The findings may also serve as an opportunity for the organization to continue accumulating
and disseminating research evidence pertaining to nursing subjects amidst the social circumstances of the
COVID-19 pandemic while re-affirming the importance of creating an environment that supports research
activities.
As discussed above, the results of analyzing the data of the two detailed surveys conducted by
JANS may inform specific measures to maintain and promote researchers’ activities, including in thecontext of affiliated organizations and conferences.
Support measures for mitigating the negative impacts on nursing researchers’ research activities
and promoting engagement in research during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Following the results of the first survey, which investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on JANS
members as of January 2020, JANS held online seminars and workshops in an attempt to meet members’
needs, established and disseminated a rapid academic journal peer review system, and provided support
for acquiring research grants and building researcher networks. Furthermore, as part of open source efforts
regarding JANS members’ survey data, researchers were recruited—from the unique perspective of thedata collected during the first survey—to proactively implement the research steps, from analysis tomanuscript submission, and conduct joint research to build a network of JANS committees and members,
write manuscripts, and report research results (via presentations at JANS academic meetings and inJapanese and English papers) [6][7][8][9].
In the second survey, among the JANS-led initiatives implemented by committees with the hopeof supporting JANS members’ research activities, member interest in the following areas was particularly
high: online JANS seminars (79.0%), a Japanese journal rapid peer review system (62.0%), and an English
journal rapid peer review system (56.0%). As mentioned above, since most researchers who participatedin the second survey reported experiencing anxiety regarding their research activities, a demand forlearning about research and obtaining new research ideas, creating an environment that facilitates thesharing of actual research activities, disseminating research results, and support for researchers’ careeradvancement through the accumulation of achievements was perceived during the post-COVID-19 period.
However, initiatives in which members’ interest was low included study abroad grants for young
researchers (29.1%), grants for young researchers to attend international conferences (34.7%), and ayoung researcher association mailing list (26.1%). Despite the difficulty of overseas travel, the primaryfactors behind this finding were thought to be the low percentage of young survey respondents and low
awareness of JANS’ efforts to support young researchers. It is, therefore, necessary to increase the publicawareness of JANS’ support for young researchers, not only among young researchers themselves but
also among senior researchers who support them and promote the utilization of that support. Furthermore,48

out of the 11 initiatives undertaken by JANS, only six were rated as “needed” or “very much needed” bymore than 40% of survey respondents. These initiatives were launched in response to the needs clarified
in previous surveys of JANS members. Therefore, in the future, we would like to share our good practices(including role models) and achievements, increase the attractiveness of our initiatives and boost
members’ interest in them, and ultimately, further enhance our efforts to support our members.

49

References［1］ ResearchGate. Report: COVID-19 impact on global scientific community. 2020. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/institution/ResearchGate/post/5e81f09ad785cf1ab1562183_Report_COVI
D-19_impact_on_global_scientific_community [accessed 1 May 2022]［2］ Committee for Research and Promotion of Science of Japan Academy of Nursing Science. Survey
on the research status of young nursing researchers. 2013. Available:
http://jans.umin.ac.jp/iinkai/kenkyu/pdf/ [accessed 1 May 2022]［3］ COVID-19 Nursing Research Countermeasures Committee Member Surveying Team of Japan
Academy of Nursing Science. Survey of members of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science(JANS): impacts of COVID-19 on research activities and support expected from JANS. 2021.
Available: https://www.jans.or.jp/uploads/files/committee/COVID19%20Survey%20Report%20(ver.4)%20Updated%20on%20Jun%2021%2C%202021.pdf[accessed 1 May 2022]［4］ Yoshinaga N, Nakagami G, Fukahori H, Shimpuku Y, Sanada H, Sugama J. Initial impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on the time Japanese nursing faculty devote to research: Cross-sectional
survey. Japan Journal of Nursing Science. 2022;19(1):e12454. doi: 10.1111/jjns.12454［5］ Togari Y. An examination of the reliability and validity of the University of Tokyo Health Sociology
version of the SOC3 scale (SOC3-UTHS): from three-year longitudinal Japanese Life Course
Panel study data. 2011. Available: https://csrda.iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp/panel/dp/PanelDP_045Togari.pdf[accessed 1 May 2022] (in Japanese)［6］ Amano K, Morimoto H, Watanabe R, Sato K, Fukahori H, Shimpuku Y, Yoshinaga N. Exploring theobstructive and facilitative factors of nursing research activities during the spread of COVID-19.
Journal of Japan Academy of Nursing Science. 2021;41:656-664.
https://doi.org/10.5630/jans.41.656 (in Japanese)［7］ Kazawa K, Shimpuku Y, Yoshinaga N. Characteristics of early-career nurse researchers negatively
impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open. 2022;12:e059331.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059331.
［8］ Inoue M, Tohira H, Yoshinaga N, Matsubara M. Propensity-matched comparisons of factors
negatively affecting research activities during the COVID-19 pandemic between nursing
researchers working in academic and clinical settings in Japan. Japan Journal of Nursing
Science. 2022:e12491. doi: 10.1111/jjns.12491［9］ Takeuchi A, Yokota S, Tomotaki A, Fukahori H, Shimpuku Y, Yoshinaga N. Relationship between
research activities and individual factors among Japanese nursing researchers during the
COVID-19 pandemic. PLOS ONE. (in press)50

Acknowledgments
We express our gratitude to the JANS members who dedicated their valuable time to participate in thissurvey, alongside their demanding roles in daily clinical work, teaching, research, and university
management.

We would also like to acknowledge the tremendous support the following chairpersons provided in termsof survey design:
Chairperson of the Board of Directors: Professor. Shigeko Horiuchi
Chairperson of the General Affairs Committee: Professor. Sachiyo Nakamura
Chairperson of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science: Professor.
Mitsunori Miyashita
Chairperson of the Editorial Board of the Japan Journal of Nursing Science: Professor. Hiromi Eto
Chairperson of the Steering Committee for Scientific Nursing Terminology and the Social Contribution
Committee: Professor. Nobuko Okubo
Chairperson of the Nursing Ethics Committee: Professor. Megumi Teshima
Chairperson of the Selection Committee for Outstanding Manuscript Awards and the Young Researcher
Grant Selection Committee: Professor. Satoko Kamei
Chairperson of the Public Relations Committee: Professor. Naohiro Hohashi
Chairperson of the Expert Committee on Support Activities for Disaster Nursing: Professor. Akiko Kondo
Chairperson of the Research Conflict of Interest Committee and the Research Institutional Review
Board: Professor. Tomoko Inoue
Chairperson of the Academy Rules Committee: Associate Professor. Miyuki Ishibashi
We would also like to express our deepest thanks to Mr. Takayuki Arita, Office Director, and Ms. Megumu
Yoshikawa for their extensive support in creating the online survey form, as well as Ms. Haruka Yoshimaru
of the Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, for preparing the draft
report.

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