Coronavirus disease‑2019 risk management using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats analysis approach in the health system: A qualitative multimethod study

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.

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.

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.

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.