Management of resources in a federal emergency hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To describe actions taken by the organizational management of an emergency service due to the COVID-19 pandemic, determined according to the prevalence of cases of infection by the coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and flu-like illnesses. Methods: Experience report based on a retrospective analysis of the attention for respiratory syndromes in the first semester of 2019 and 2020, in addition to an analysis of documents from the institutional protocols of a federal emergency service. Development: An increase in the number of attendances was observed, representing 7.25% and 19.4% of cases in 2019 and 2020, respectively. This was due to the creation of the Crisis Office, including a multidisciplinary team created to elaborate the plan of action, changes in the physical structure and in the work processes, and training sessions. Final considerations: It became clear that the planning, coordination of actions based on the decisions of the Crisis Office, and the dissemination of reliable information, taking into consideration a focal point, were essential for the organization, management of the emergency service, and protection to the workers.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Health Effects on Emergency Service Nursing Workers via a Qualitative Approach

“…In addition to facing the fear of falling ill and of transmitting the disease, uncertainty about the care being provided, a lack of supplies, a lack of PPE, and management difficulties, nursing workers had to deal with issues involving attitudes toward prevention measures in society at large, all of which culminated in changes in how routine work activities were carried out [ 2 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“…The necessary arrangements and changes in physical installations at points of care for suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 formed part of a strategy to prevent and control infection. However, these alterations were responsible for causing physical and mental fatigue because they were introduced intensively as new recommendations emerged [ 2 , 27 ].…”

“…It has become fundamentally important to think carefully about introducing effective measures to promote and protect nursing workers’ health in light of the challenges experienced in combating COVID-19 and the diversity of situations posed in Brazil [ 3 , 32 ]. It has also become essential to examine the perceptions of these workers, especially those working directly on the frontline in crisis scenarios in which the risk of infection is real and should be managed in such a way as to protect the workers involved [ 2 , 5 ].…”

“…In addition, training during professional education and after entering a daily work routine promotes the development of knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude to respond to public health emergencies, in addition to promoting greater involvement and job satisfaction, increasing rates of satisfaction and the improvement of the capacity of management [ 2 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

“…Researchers have pointed to the social and labor repercussions for health workers in that scenario, given the need to review protocols, alter flows, and introduce strategies to prevent the disease caused by the 2019 coronavirus among workers exposed during their labor activities [ 1 , 2 ].…”