Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience of Managers in Healthcare: A Narrative Inquiry

The pandemic represented a challenge for hospital managers at different levels, required to reorganise services without compromising care. This study aimed to analyse the experiences of hospital managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A narrative inquiry was conducted in a multisite acute hospital. Data were collected through narratives and open-ended questions. Direct and non-direct-care managers were invited to participate. Data were analyzed considering Clandinin & Connelly's (2000) framework and Braun & Clarke, (2006). Thirty-six narratives and open-ended question responses were analysed. Participants were nurses (n = 20), doctors, technicians, administrative and hospitality service managers. Themes were grouped into three narrative dimensions: (1) personal-"the emergency engulfed us", (2) practical/professional-"managing the pandemic", (3) social-"the strength of the team and people". Different narrative threads were identified between direct-care and non direct-care managers. Problems faced, factors helpful for management and suggestions for improvement were also reported. The pandemic had an important impact on managers and their roles, in terms of the need for clear concise information, staff support, and adequate professional and technical resources. A sense of unity and belonging facilitated management.