Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the management of the
COVID-19 pandemic at De Martino Public Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia,
to enhance pandemic management strategies in hospitals.
Methods: In this phenomenological study, in-depth interviews
were conducted with 29 key participants at De Martino Hospital,
including 5 managers, 12 healthcare workers, and 12 patients.
Additionally, on-site observations were carried out at the hospital. The
study was conducted in 2022, and thematic content analysis was used to
analyze the interview data. Results: The interviews revealed
seven themes: infrastructure, prevention, communication, awareness,
fear, management, and finance. The study found that the hospital
generally managed the COVID-19 pandemic well. However, public awareness
was deemed inadequate. Observations indicated a lack of triage
procedures at the entrance. The results also highlighted a shortage of
budget and poor infrastructure for COVID-19 management in the hospital.
Conclusion: Effective COVID-19 pandemic management is crucial
for reducing disease transmission. It is important to implement entry
regulation measures, particularly screening triage procedures. Public
education is needed to encourage the adoption of COVID-19 infection
prevention and control practices. Additionally, sufficient funding
should be allocated to ensure that hospitals have the necessary
materials, equipment, and human resources for improved management of the
COVID-19 pandemic.