Management crisis in health care system in COVID-19 conditions

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this article is to present the conditions in which the changes, aiming at improvement or facilitating the process of health care system management, improvement of treatment quality and hospitals’ finances take place.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Analysis and method of situational assessment were used. The period of time from World War II till 2022 has been subjected to analysis, with special attention towards the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis is of descriptive character, shows concepts of health care system management in particular periods of country functioning. Situational assessment has been performed to find out how health care sector functions in a particular moment. FODA method is one of situational assessment methods and refers to knowing everything about the analyzed period in particular sector.

FINDINGS: The research results show that together with transforming political and economic situation, there were changes in health care system management concepts. Implemented concepts were to improve material, financial and organizational situation of health care system. The period of pandemic was a serious complication in changes implementation when all economies tried to save life and health of patients, however, with different result. The pandemics also showed weakness of countries in fighting with such a serious threat. Health care system management of the last few years has shown a return to centrally controlled economy of post war period and lack of ideas for the future. Outflow of young medical staff and ageing of still employed personnel is also a noticeable phenomenon.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The complete results can be utilized by managers and the Minister of Health advisors for building the concept of long-term health care system management and improvement of medical services.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Realized analysis shows management shortcomings and points to examples of wrong decisions causing the collapse of health care system. Data concerning management crisis in the period of COVID-19 pandemics deserve special attention.