Volume 23, Issue 1 (2026)
ioh 2026, 23(1): 193-228 |
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Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1404.509
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Hadian M, Jabbari Khanbebin M R, Nouri M, Nouri Z, movahedi A, Khajeh-Amiri A. Challenges And Strategies for Managing Occupational Health of Healthcare Workers in Crisis Situations. ioh 2026; 23 (1) :193-228
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3842-en.html
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3842-en.html
Marziye Hadian 
, Mohammad Reza Jabbari Khanbebin , Mohsen Nouri * , Zahra Nouri , Ali Movahedi , Alireza Khajeh-Amiri
, Mohammad Reza Jabbari Khanbebin , Mohsen Nouri * , Zahra Nouri , Ali Movahedi , Alireza Khajeh-Amiri
, m61noori@gmail.com
Abstract: (273 Views)
Background and aims: Health crises, particularly in recent years, have posed significant challenges to the occupational health of healthcare workers. High workloads, occupational hazards, resource shortages, and weak organizational management can seriously threaten the physical and mental well-being of staff. This study was conducted with the aim of elucidating the challenges and strategies for managing the occupational health of healthcare workers in crisis situations.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2025 using conventional content analysis. data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 32 participants, including managers, occupational health experts, and healthcare staff. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed based on the Graneheim and Lundman framework for qualitative content analysis, and the findings were organized and interpreted within a comprehensive conceptual framework of crisis management and organizational resilience.
Results: The data analysis led to the identification of several main categories, the most prominent of which included workload and occupational burnout, concerns regarding personal and family health, shortages of human resources and standard protective equipment, insufficient supportive organizational culture, weaknesses in pre-crisis specialized training, absence of practical training programs, lack of effective feedback systems, poor inter-unit coordination, and inadequate psychological support. These factors contributed to reduced staff preparedness, heightened feelings of insecurity and incapacity, weakened individual and organizational resilience, and diminished effectiveness of crisis management.
conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that managing the occupational health of healthcare workers in crisis situations requires a comprehensive, preventive, and multidimensional approach. Ensuring adequate human resources and protective equipment, strengthening a supportive organizational culture, developing scenario-based training, implementing effective feedback and organizational learning systems, providing psychological support, and improving interdepartmental coordination are among the key strategies for enhancing occupational health and the resilience of the healthcare system during crises. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for effective planning and policymaking regarding the occupational health of healthcare workers in the face of future crises.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2025 using conventional content analysis. data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 32 participants, including managers, occupational health experts, and healthcare staff. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed based on the Graneheim and Lundman framework for qualitative content analysis, and the findings were organized and interpreted within a comprehensive conceptual framework of crisis management and organizational resilience.
Results: The data analysis led to the identification of several main categories, the most prominent of which included workload and occupational burnout, concerns regarding personal and family health, shortages of human resources and standard protective equipment, insufficient supportive organizational culture, weaknesses in pre-crisis specialized training, absence of practical training programs, lack of effective feedback systems, poor inter-unit coordination, and inadequate psychological support. These factors contributed to reduced staff preparedness, heightened feelings of insecurity and incapacity, weakened individual and organizational resilience, and diminished effectiveness of crisis management.
conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that managing the occupational health of healthcare workers in crisis situations requires a comprehensive, preventive, and multidimensional approach. Ensuring adequate human resources and protective equipment, strengthening a supportive organizational culture, developing scenario-based training, implementing effective feedback and organizational learning systems, providing psychological support, and improving interdepartmental coordination are among the key strategies for enhancing occupational health and the resilience of the healthcare system during crises. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for effective planning and policymaking regarding the occupational health of healthcare workers in the face of future crises.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Workplace Health
Received: 2025/11/4 | Accepted: 2026/05/8 | Published: 2026/03/30
Received: 2025/11/4 | Accepted: 2026/05/8 | Published: 2026/03/30
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