Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Pre‑Hospital Medical Emergency Organization, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran,

2 Pre‑Hospital Medical Emergency Organization, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

3 Department of Treatment Management, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

4 Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran, Department of Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Public Health and Health Education, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Utilizing the successful experiences of countries and local regions can be useful in
the management and control of coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19), so the research team aims
to determine and extract the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the health system
in the risk management of COVID‑19 using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT)
analytical approach.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed by a qualitative multimethod approach.
In addition to reviewing the minutes of meetings and approvals of the Provincial Anti‑Corona
Headquarters, focused group meetings and in‑depth semi‑structured individual interviews were
conducted. The results were extracted based on the SWOT analytical approach in the form of
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the health system and then based on the SWOT
matrix, the necessary strategies were identified.
RESULTS: In the necessary strategies, based on SWOT matrix in SO strategies: SO1, formation
of regional health assessment teams; SO2, promotion of preparedness, resilience, and effective
response; SO3, activation of research and training centers; SO4, integrated management,
supervision, and coordination; in WO strategies: WO1, analysis and COVID‑19 risk monitoring;
WO2, communication and risk information management; WO3, people‑based management; and
WO4, activation of local economic institutions and manufacturing centers; in ST: ST1, comprehensive
care system strategies; and ST2, enhancing social trust with a transparency approach; and finally
in WT strategies; WT1, stress management; and WT2, specific financial system design for disaster
management were identified.
CONCLUSION: Now, for the prevention and control of this disease, the need of empathy and
participation of all human societies is felt more than anything else. These experience and analysis
are based on the SWOT approach for the health system to be able to provide solutions and practical
points that can be used by stakeholders.

Keywords

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