Seddighi H., Salmari I., Ermolaeva P., Basheva O., Sedeh S.M. The Challenges and Opportunities of Online Volunteering for COVID-19 Response in Iran: A Qualitative Study. Disaster Medicin and Public Health Preparedness, Preprint Posted 28 Jul, 2020. DOI: 10.21203 ...

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-48770/v1 (дата обращения 24.09.2020)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this brief report is to identify the challenges and opportunities of online volunteering to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of the managers of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). Methods: In this study we have used a qualitative method including semi-structured interviews for investigating the opportunities and challenges of using virtual volunteers. The eligible participants meeting the inclusion criteria for this study were eight IRCS managers who had used online volunteers for COVID-19 pandemic response. Results: Having considered the interviews with IRCS managers, we finally found seven items as opportunities including safety, availability, recruiting more volunteers, cost reduction, participation, geographical scope, and local considerations. Moreover, five items were found as challenges of online volunteering in IRCS including lack of commitment, cultural issues, infrastructure, reimbursement, and volunteer management. Conclusion: Online volunteering is a significant opportunity for humanitarian organizations especially during epidemics like the current COVID-19. Online volunteering for COVID-19 response by the Red Crescent involved a wide range of people including young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and minority groups, and people in rural areas. 

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