Explaining Successful Experiences of Primary Healthcare Services’ Resilience in Managing the Covid-19 Pandemic

Nasrin  Moradi; Leila  Rastkhadive; Mahshid  Lotfi; Erfan  Kharazmi

doi:10.18502/mshsj.v10i3.20647

Nasrin Moradi Ph.D. of Healthcare Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Leila Rastkhadive Midwifery Expert and Health Care Worker, Enghelab Health Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mahshid Lotfi Assistant Professor, Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Erfan Kharazmi Assistant Professor, Department of Healthcare Services Management, Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/mshsj.v10i3.20647

Keywords: Pandemic, Community health care centers, Primary health care networks, Resilience

Abstract

Background: Primary health care services’ resilience in managing pandemics can play an important role in the management of health centers Since health centers, by utilizing multipurpose infrastructure, high flexibility, and effective coordination, have been able to play a vital role in controlling the crisis and reducing pressure on hospitals, therefore; the present study has identified successful experiences in primary health care’s resilience in health centers.

Methods: The present study was conducted with a qualitative approach in 2025. The study’s sample size was purposefully selected from 16 senior, middle, operational managers and employees of health and treatment centers and health centers of towns affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences who had experienced working during the pandemic. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews. Then, the data were analyzed based on the Graniham-Lodman method and using MaxQDA ₂₀₂₀ software.

Results: According to the participants' viewpoints, six main themes were identified in successful experiences of primary health care services’ resilience, which include human factors, physical and infrastructure, management, public informing and participation, strengthening of virtual infrastructure and education, planning and policy-making. From the participants' perspective, the most important factor related to strengthening of virtual infrastructure and education was identified.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, successful experiences of primary health care services’ resilience in managing pandemics show that health centers have been able to play an important role in controlling the disease and maintaining the continuity of services by adopting comprehensive and flexible solutions such as strengthening physical infrastructure, management factors, and rational and timely planning.