BMC Health Serv Res . Explaining the role and responsibilities of the National Anti-Coronavirus Headquarters in prevention and emergency response to pandemics in the workplace: a qualitative study on COVID-19 experience in Iran

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BMC Health Serv Res


. 2023 Feb 9;23(1):137.
doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09148-6.
Explaining the role and responsibilities of the National Anti-Coronavirus Headquarters in prevention and emergency response to pandemics in the workplace: a qualitative study on COVID-19 experience in Iran


Yahya Khosravi ^{1 2 3} , Ali Asghar Farshad ⁴ , Masoud Motalebi Gh ⁴ , Mitra Faghihi ⁵ , Elahe Ezati ⁶ , Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi ^{1 2} , Soudabeh Yarmohammadi ⁷



Affiliations

• PMID: 36759805
• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09148-6

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have greatly affected the safety of life and the economy. Taking rapid measures to reduce these problems requires effective and efficient decisions by various departments and headquarters in a country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and responsibilities of the National Anti-Corona Headquarters (NACH) in the workplace during the pandemic.
Methods: This study was a qualitative study conducted using a triangulation approach. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants with a purposive sampling technique as well as the review of related documents and records in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inductive and deductive approach was used for the content analysis of data in the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model of the ISO45001 management system.
Results: Based on the results, four themes (plan, do, check, and act) were considered as the main domains. Subthemes include understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties; specific policy-making for organizations/workplaces; leadership and organizational commitment; addressing risks and opportunities; providing resources; competence of individuals and organizations; awareness; communication; information documentation; emergency response; monitoring, analyze, and evaluate performance; management review; non-compliance and corrective action; and improvement in pandemic control.
Conclusion: To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of organizations to deal with pandemics, the NACH must implement these responsibilities and play a pivotal role in responding to pandemics and using the participation of other government agencies and society. The findings of this study can be useful from national to local levels.

Keywords: Iran; National Anti-Corona Headquarters; Pandemic; Responsibility; Workplace.