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

"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. "