Factors determining the quality of health services provided to COVID-19 patients from the perspective of healthcare providers: Based on the Donabedian model

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aims to explain factors determining the quality of health services provided to COVID-19 patients from the perspective of healthcare providers based on the Donabedian model.

Method: This qualitative study was conducted at a referral hospital on COVID-19 patients in Tehran, in 2020. The data were collected through individual and semi-structured interviews from 20 participants using the purposive sampling method. Besides, data analysis was conducted simultaneously using the directed content analysis method.

Results: Data analysis results produced 850 primary codes in three predetermined categories of the Donabedian model, including the structure (organizational readiness and continuous training), the process (effective management and leadership, safe care, and comprehensive care measures) and outcomes (professional excellence, quantitative and qualitative improvements in hospital services, and acceptability of healthcare professionals).

Conclusion: The results of this study can help managers better understand how a public health crisis affects the structure of organizations providing care and treatment, quality of treatment processes in the organization, and the consequences. In addition, this study can be used as a model for optimizing the structures and processes to improve outcomes.

Keywords: COVID-19; Donabedian model; delivery of health care; health personnel; pandemics; quality of health care.