RESUMPTION OF HOSPITAL ACCREDITATION IN THE ‘POST-COVID-19 PANDEMIC’ ERA: LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

ABSTRACT

Objective:  To understand leaders’ perspectives on the resumption of the Hospital Accreditation process in the context of the “post-pandemic” of COVID-19.

Method:  A qualitative case study was carried out in a large university hospital in Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil. Data was collected from 10 strategic leaders from August to September 2022 through a semi-structured interview. Thematic Content Analysis was used.

Results:  Three categories emerged: “Hospital changes and strategies demanded by the COVID-19 pandemic”; “Quality management and patient safety challenges arising from the pandemic context”; and, “Managing the resumption of the post-pandemic Hospital Accreditation process”.

Conclusion:  The COVID-19 health crisis has imposed obstacles on previously well-established processes. The leadership recognized the exhaustion of the teams and worked to motivate people and spread the information necessary for the success of the quality recertification.

KEYWORDS: Hospital Accreditation; Leadership; COVID-19; Process Assessment, Health Care; Quality of Healthcare

HIGHLIGHTS

Certification following periods of crisis relies on the engagement of leaders and teams.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left significant legacies for the quality of care.

A challenging and timely process to reclaim previously established practices.

Adversities in human resource management and time management.