As we reflect on the unfolding of the recent global pandemic, it becomes clear that long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) have emerged under mounting strains that have stretched them beyond the scope of their standard practice. The reality remains that there is a glaring knowledge gap on how these crucial healthcare bodies have managed amidst the crisis, their employed Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) during the pandemic, along with the planning for future emergencies. The objective of our research, therefore, is to shed light on how LTCHs sustained their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify strategies that can bolster them for potential future crises.
Through employing a mixed-method design, consisting of a survey and individual interviews, we’ve endeavored to understand the steps undertaken and strategies executed to combat the pandemic by these facilities. Our findings pointed out an intriguing fact – the operations of inpatient wards were recognized as a fundamental function at LTCHs.
Moreover, while most facilities (around 85.7%) have stated adherence to the government’s recommendations and confirmed the implementation of BCPs, a significant section of half of the concerned respondents shared a sentiment of inadequacy concerning the operational efficacy of these plans. Surprisingly, a small percentage of about 9.5% had organized teams dedicated to the preparedness and response to infectious disease emergencies even before the COVID-19 outbreak.
The qualitative assessment identified six integral themes that encapsulated the endeavours made by LTCHs – workplace culture and leadership; communication; managing human resources; ensuring safety; maintaining continuity of essential service; and lastly, effective financial and supply management. These themes offer insights into the reasons behind operational effectiveness and provide illustrative examples along with context about staff reactions in small and medium-sized LTCHs during pandemic conditions. All these factors considered various elements of health service continuity planning.
Preparing for unpredictable shifts induced by situations like pandemics means planning responses that address key components especially in healthcare facilities that are most vulnerable. To tackle unexpected crises, LTCHs should endeavour to map out, introduce, and practice plans that are well-structured and articulated, with the ultimate objective of reinforcing organizational resilience and ensuring continuous hospital functioning.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1518998/full