Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly affected global healthcare systems, particularly impacting frontline nurses who experience significant trauma and emotional distress, often leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims to investigate the implications of the pandemic on clinical risk management (CRM) practices in South African hospitals, emphasizing the urgent need for protective governmental measures and the enhancement of patient safety protocols.
Utilizing a systematic quantitative research design, the study focused on CRM implementation at a Private hospital in the aftermath of COVID-19. The methodology included document analysis, questionnaires, and structured observations of disaster management drills, all aimed at objectively assessing the effectiveness of CRM strategies under the positivist paradigm. The research highlights the necessity for education and regulatory frameworks, referencing South Africa’s Disaster Management Act No. 57 of 2002, and introduces a strategic framework proposed by Buchberger et al., which underscores the importance of fostering a safety culture, engaging staff, and promoting continuous learning to improve healthcare quality and mitigate risks.
Data collection involved a comprehensive review of global and national studies related to CRM and disaster management, employing a Likert scale questionnaire to evaluate nursing staff’s awareness and training in CRM. Findings indicate a critical need for enhanced training to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety. Additionally, the study assessed emergency preparedness during drills, identifying essential resource requirements for effective crisis response. The conclusions drawn emphasize the interconnections between resource availability, emergency preparedness, and the necessity for ongoing monitoring and improvement of healthcare protocols. Ethical considerations were rigorously adhered to throughout the research process.