Resilience on the Front Lines: Coping Mechanisms of Health System Executives During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Qualitative Inquiry

This qualitative inquiry examined the coping mechanisms employed by health system executives in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance resilience and leadership effectiveness. Utilizing in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study uncovered a diverse range of coping strategies utilized by both clinical and non-clinical leaders, such as seeking support from family and friends, engaging in physical activity, and using professional counseling. Non-clinical leaders also emphasized time management and spirituality as coping strategies. This study's conceptual framework highlights the interplay between individual and organizational factors, contextual elements, and the pandemic's impact on executives' coping abilities. These practical implications emphasize the need for tailored support systems, addressing health system executives' specific coping needs, and promoting interventions to strengthen resilience during crises. This study provides valuable insights for healthcare leadership and resilience studies and offers evidence-based policies and support mechanisms for health system executives during future healthcare emergencies.