How are university hospitals coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil?

Abstract

Objective: To identify the actions that federal university hospitals are developing to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: Documentary study based on information available on official websites of 44 university hospitals in the federal teaching network in Brazil. The survey was conducted in April and May 2020. The excerpts were grouped by similarity, considering the Care, Management, Extension, Teaching and Research dimensions. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Results: The 495 actions identified to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic were distributed among Care (38.99%), Management (37.58%), Extension (16.16%) and Teaching and Research (7.27%). In Care, the highlights were the suspension of consultations not related to COVID-19 and elective surgeries, and changes in routines with focus on biosafety issues to prevent virus transmission. In Management, new professionals were hired and health teams were trained. In the Extension dimension, educational materials were developed, mainly on COVID-19 prevention measures. In relation to Teaching and Research, educational-training activities were suspended and the engagement of hospitals in the development of research on the subject stood out. Conclusion: University hospitals are reorganizing care and looking for ways to provide the necessary conditions to fulfill their mission within the National Health System context, based on care, management, extension, teaching and research actions.