Resilience of Tanzanian Healthcare Facilities Against the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preparedness, Leadership, and Healthcare Workers’ Experiences

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the most significant global health crisis of the past century, with a rapid spread and associated burden of disease and mortality. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers' effective preparedness, leadership support, and experiences in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers in the Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and Mwanza regions from August 24 to October 3, 2022. The study included 96 participants from 24 healthcare facilities, the qualitative sample size obtained based on the saturation principle. Both purposeful and random selection of participants were used, purposive sampling targeted healthcare workers directly involved in COVID-19 team, while simple random selection was applied to other available healthcare workers in the selected facilities. Interviews were recorded using Kobo Toolbox, while coding and thematic analysis were conducted using NVivo qualitative data analysis software. Results: Most healthcare workers who participated in the interviews reported that preparations were not made in time; preparations started after the first patient was announced in Tanzania. In interviews, all healthcare workers reported that their healthcare facility leaders, including medical officers in-charge and department heads fully supported the fight against COVID-19. However, not all workers felt they had enough experience to combat the virus. Conclusion: Comprehensive support should be provided to Tanzanian healthcare facilities to safeguard the well-being of healthcare providers. Regular and intensive training for all healthcare providers is necessary to promote preparedness and effectiveness in crisis management.