Hospital management and challenges during COVID-19 outbreaks: lessons from a level 1 hospital in the southeast of Iran-case study

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unparalleled challenges to hospitals globally, particularly those in resource-limited settings. This case study elucidates the experiences and lessons from managing a 40-bed public hospital in Rask, Iran, during the pandemic.

Data were gathered through focus group discussions with the management team and key informants, supplemented by document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to discern key themes and subthemes related to the challenges encountered and solutions implemented by the hospital.

The study underscores the necessity of a dynamic management team, effective external stakeholder communication, staff involvement in decision-making, and establishing connections with pre-hospital care units. It also emphasizes the need for adaptable protocols, comprehensive staff training, and infrastructure enhancements. Despite these strategies, the hospital grappled with unresolved issues such as inadequate disaster planning, ethical dilemmas, and poor inter-hospital coordination.

This case study offers insights into managing a small hospital in a resource-limited setting during a health crisis, highlighting the importance of effective leadership, staff support, infrastructural flexibility, and community engagement. The lessons gleaned can guide the development of context-specific strategies to bolster the resilience and preparedness of similar hospitals. Further research is warranted to assess the long-term impacts of the pandemic on these hospitals and to explore the perspectives of frontline staff, patients, and families for a more comprehensive understanding of effective hospital management during health disasters.