COVID-19 management at one of the largest hospitals in Germany: Concept, evaluation and adaptation

Abstract

Context The LMU University Hospital is among the largest healthcare facilities in Germany. The measures implemented prior to and during the first pandemic wave of COVID-19, were evaluated in preparation of a second pandemic wave. This paper presents the pandemic management concept, evaluation and adaptation of LMU University Hospital. Methods Between July and September 2020 the disaster management team of LMU University Hospital conducted a mixed-method evaluation of the hospital’s pandemic management. A workshop series based on the After Action Review working group format was organized to examine the management structure, decision-making processes, documentation, and crisis preparedness response for a second COVID-19 wave. Further, the satisfaction of employees with the hospital’s COVID-19 management was examined through an anonymous survey. Results The workshop series highlighted a need for structural and operational adaptation of the COVID-19 management at LMU University Hospital. The results of the employee survey ( N = 2182) provided positive feedback for the measures taken during the first pandemic wave. Specific actions were derived concerning the availability of personal protective equipment and emergency childcare services. A key outcome of both evaluation activities was the identified need for further improvement in communication between stakeholders. All changes were adopted prior to the second pandemic wave.

Klinisches Krisenmanagement im Krankenhaus – Kommunikation und Leadership als Schlüsselgrößen der organisationalen Resilienz

“…Wie von den Expert:innen angemerkt, ist die Etablierung eines multiprofessionellen Pandemieteams ein weiterer Erfolgsfaktor. Auch in anderen Krankenhäusern in Deutschland wurde eine solche "Task-Force", neben anderen Aufgaben, damit beauftragt, die Informationsflüsse zwischen den exekutiven und operationalen Leveln zu koordinieren [31]. Damit die Kommunikation und die Zusammenarbeit in den Krankenhäusern in Krisensituationen auch funktioniert ist ein Zusammenwirken unterschiedlicher Berufsgruppen erforderlich [4].…”