Impact of covid-19 on the activities of medium-and small-size medical enterprises in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rethinking of the processes in medical organizations. Managers and medical staff faced new challenges that needed immediate response. Aims: To study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic conditions of private medium-(<250 employees) and small-size (<100 employees) enterprises (MSEH) and to assess psychological consequences of COVID-19. Methods: In total, 45 managers (14 %) and 279 medical employees (86 %) of the 25 MSEH took part in a mixed-methods study. Qualitative interviews were conducted with MSEH managers in the city of Almaty and Almaty region. Economic issues and working conditions of the personnel in MSEH during the time pandemic as well as the psychological impact of COVID-19 were studied using a questionnaire. Results: During the pandemic period the respondents’ salaries increased, but medical organizations are faced with a decrease in profits (P = 0.003) and substantial shortage of nurses (P = 0.001). All medical organizations developed a preparedness plan in collaboration with the emergency / pandemic outbreak team P < 0.001, with different scenarios P = 0.009, and roles and responsibilities P = 0.007. Anxiety and depression symptoms were greater among the managers compared to the medical staff. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals and managers of MHES in Kazakhstan face similar challenges as medical workers in other countries during the pandemic. Collaboration and teamwork can strengthen and improve the organization’s outbreak preparedness. In addition, medical personnel and particularly the managers of MESH need psychological support.