Investigating the Operational Management Challenges of a Reference Military Hospital in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

"Introduction: Following the crisis of coronavirus outbreak in numerous regions of the world, this epidemic enhanced promptly in most countries, including Iran, and sent a host of patients in need of medical services to hospitals. This study aimed to investigate the challenges of operational management of a reference military hospital during the pandemic COVID-19. Methods: This research is a qualitative study with the content analysis method with a deductive and guided approach. Data collection was conducted through a semi-structured interview method and utilizing a questionnaire designed based on the management functions of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). The targeted sampling method and participants in this study included senior-middle managers working in organizational positions of the reference hospital in 2020 employed during the organizational position in Covid-19 Pandemic. Classifications and coding were performed employing MAXQDA 2018 software. Results: The findings of this study were explored in the form of strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Weaknesses included taking surprise, early and non-missionary entry into the COVID-19 crisis, lack of appropriate depot, instant management, deficiencies in the training of patients and staff, poor functioning of the crisis management system, deficiencies in monitoring, and poor provision of psychological support. The strengths were the devoted and altruistic presence of the medical staff and managers, the financial support of the headquarters, the effective field research of the management team of the organization, and the proper management of the volunteer forces. The most significant challenge was the poor coordination with the relevant organizations, including the headquarters, the Defense Organization, and the Ministry of Health. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that in the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic to promote the operational management of the hospital, sticking to the general policies of the organization, structured coordination with internal and external organizations, organized management of equipment and human resources, generating a robust documentation structure and decision-making based on the evidence, effective and practical use of the crisis management system, systematic training of staff and patients, prioritizing the safety of patients and staff, organized dissemination of information and systematic monitoring as well as evaluation are the most significant points to deal with the epidemic crisis. "

Strategies, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of COVID-19 field hospitals: a scoping review

“…2 ; Chen et al8 ; Baughman et al16 ; Yuan et al20 ; Reid et al21 ; Radu et al22 Workflow, procedure and criteria Castro Delgado et al2 ; Chen et al 8 ; McLaughlin et al 32 ; Yuan et al 20 Management of human resources and training programme Castro Delgado et al 2 ; Bell et al 19 ; Sacchetto et al 18 ; Reid et al 21 ; Radu et al 22 Management of supplies and system ► Medical equipment ► Electronic health record ► Advanced technologies Yuan et al 20 ; Zhou et al 24 ; Sacchetto et al 18 Challenges Human resources issues ► Lack of personnel ► Staff competency/expertise ► High staff turnover ► Staff mobilisation Castro Delgado et al 2 ; Warr et al 3 ; Chen et al 8 ; McLaughlin et al 32 ; Bell et al 19 ; Baughman et al 16 ; Levy et al 25 ; Reid et al 21 Shortage of supplies (PPE, medications, equipment, EMR) Opportunities Personnel training Chaudhary et al 5 ; McLaughlin et al 32 ; Torrey et al 23 ; Baughman et al 16 Model for design and construction of field hospitals Levy et al 25 ; Zhou et al 17 Increased use of technology McLaughlin et al 32 ; Sanchez et al 33 ; Gordon et al 28 ; Sacchetto et al 18 EMR, electronic medical record; PPE, personal protective equipment. on March 26, 2023 by guest.…”