The Need for and Strategy to Introduce a Qualification System for Infection Control Personnel to Establish Infection Control Infrastructure in Vulnerable Facilities.

Objectives: This study examined the need for establishing a national qualification system for Infection Control Personnel based on the National Competency Standards (NCS). This study aimed to address the absence of standardized infection control practices in vulnerable facilities by exploring systemic alternatives for enhancing on-site acceptability. Methods: This study employed a two-phase qualitative research design. First, the core job competencies for infection control were identified using the NCS framework. In the second phase, a grounded theory approach was employed to develop a theoretical model capturing stakeholder perceptions. Focus group interviews were conducted with 18 key stakeholders, including facility managers and policymakers. Data were analyzed using NVivo software (version 20). Results: Grounded theory analysis revealed a core preference for a system-centered approach rather than individual personnel qualifications. Stakeholders attributed infection control deficiencies to systemic limitations such as low leadership awareness and resource constraints, rather than to a lack of individual competency. Consequently, the establishment of new qualifications was perceived as an inefficient administrative burden. Instead, stakeholders proposed strengthening internal accountability through mandatory training for facility directors and leveraging external support systems such as external expert dispatch programs and advisory networks. Conclusions: Strengthening the infection control infrastructure in vulnerable facilities requires multidimensional system improvements prior to creating new personnel qualifications. While a qualification system is necessary, it should be introduced in the expansion phase. This approach must include mandatory leadership education, the utilization of external professional resources, and integration with existing evaluation systems. This study provides key policy recommendations to build a sustainable and practical infection control framework.