CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION IN BRAZILIAN HOSPITALS IN THE FACE OF COVID-19

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges and innovations observed in Brazilian hospital management during the COVID-19 pandemic, a context in which health services were severely pressured by emergency demands, scarcity of resources, and the need for rapid responses. The overall objective was to analyze the management strategies adopted by public and private hospitals in response to the health crisis, highlighting the innovative practices developed to address the instability of the period. The methodology used was based on qualitative research, through a literature review, with an emphasis on Brazilian authors who are experts in public health, hospital management, and public policies. The study included scientific and institutional sources that reported experiences and practices in coping with the pandemic. The results revealed that hospital management was forced to reinvent itself, incorporating technological tools, reorganizing care processes, and promoting actions aimed at the well-being of teams. The analysis showed that, despite the limits imposed by underfunding and institutional fragmentation, many hospitals were able to innovate through committed leadership and intersectoral coordination. It was concluded that the pandemic acted as a catalyst for changes in hospital management, driving more efficient and collaborative practices. The importance of building sustainable policies, valuing health professionals and integrating the different sectors of the system was reinforced as essential elements for strengthening the response capacity in future health emergencies.