An Assessment of Leadership Strategies and Decision-making in Healthcare Crisis (COVID-19) in Selected Healthcare Institutions (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) in Lagos State Chapter One Objectives of the Study

An Assessment of Leadership Strategies and Decision-making in Healthcare Crisis (COVID-19) in Selected Healthcare Institutions (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) in Lagos State

Chapter One

Objectives of the Study

1. To evaluate the leadership strategies implemented at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. To assess the decision-making processes employed by LUTH’s management in handling the crisis.
3. To identify the challenges faced by LUTH’s leadership and decision-makers during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these challenges were addressed.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Conceptual Review

Leadership in Healthcare

Leadership in healthcare is a critical component that shapes the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems. It involves the capacity to inspire and guide healthcare professionals towards achieving organizational objectives, improving patient outcomes, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Effective leadership in healthcare is essential for navigating the complexities of healthcare systems, managing resources, and ensuring high-quality patient care (Grint, 2020). Leaders in healthcare settings are pivotal in shaping organizational culture, implementing strategic initiatives, and responding to the ever-evolving challenges within the healthcare sector.

The significance of leadership in healthcare becomes especially pronounced during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Strong leadership is crucial for ensuring coordinated efforts, maintaining healthcare worker morale, and making informed decisions that impact both patient care and organizational stability (Amzat et al., 2020). Effective healthcare leaders are responsible for setting a clear vision and direction for their institutions, managing resources effectively, and adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. This leadership role becomes even more critical in emergency situations, where timely and effective decision-making can have a profound impact on the outcomes of the crisis response.

Characteristics of effective healthcare leaders include the ability to communicate clearly, make decisive decisions, and demonstrate empathy and resilience. Effective leaders in healthcare settings are known for their capacity to build trust among their teams, foster collaboration, and create an environment that supports professional growth and development (Ahmed et al., 2020). The ability to lead with integrity and inspire confidence in their teams is essential for managing complex healthcare environments and ensuring that the organization’s goals are met even under challenging circumstances.

Moreover, effective healthcare leaders are adept at managing both people and processes. They must possess strong problem-solving skills, be proactive in identifying potential issues, and implement strategies that address both immediate and long-term needs (Njoku, 2019). In addition, they need to balance the demands of patient care with the constraints of healthcare resources, ensuring that their decisions are both ethical and practical. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of leadership remains critical in steering organizations through the complexities of modern healthcare delivery.

Crisis Management in Healthcare

Crisis management in healthcare involves the coordinated response to sudden, unexpected events that disrupt normal operations and pose significant risks to patients, staff, and the overall healthcare system. An effective crisis management plan is crucial for minimizing the impact of such events, ensuring the continuity of care, and safeguarding the health and safety of all stakeholders involved (Gilbert et al., 2020). During a crisis, healthcare institutions must rapidly adapt to changing conditions, deploy resources efficiently, and maintain effective communication with both internal and external parties. This approach enables healthcare organizations to address immediate challenges while preparing for longer-term recovery and resilience.

Key components of crisis management in healthcare settings include preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Preparedness involves planning and training to ensure that healthcare staff are ready to handle emergencies, including developing protocols for various types of crises (Kalu, 2020). This includes creating and regularly updating emergency response plans, conducting simulation exercises, and establishing communication channels to facilitate coordination during an actual crisis. Effective preparednes

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