Proposing a Policy Model for Coping with the COVID-19 Crisis and Future Pandemics

Abstract

The newly identified COVID-19 virus has become one of the most contagious diseases in human history. The coronavirus has posed severe threats to global mental health, leading to crisis management challenges and international concerns related to public health issues. While the COVID-19 crisis appears to be potentially eradicated through widespread vaccination worldwide, the reality is that similar pandemics may occur in the future. Therefore, societies and governments must be adequately prepared to minimize infections, mortality rates, and economic damage. Consequently, proposing a policy model for coping with pandemics can be beneficial for societies and governing bodies. Given the identified gaps in the literature, the present study aims to propose a policy model for managing the COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics based on expert opinions. Hence, this research employs a qualitative methodology. Using a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method and library research, the study examines and identifies key discussions and fundamental concepts in COVID-19 crisis management policies. Additionally, the literature related to COVID-19 crisis management policies was reviewed. Upon completing data analysis, 49 themes with 173 occurrences were extracted, ultimately leading to the identification of nine final categories: healthcare measures, the level of public cooperation and compliance, government actions in the healthcare sector, government actions regarding economic support for healthcare personnel and the public, government policies on information dissemination, strengths of COVID-19 crisis management, weaknesses of COVID-19 crisis management, crisis management strategies to reduce the spread of the virus, and proposed solutions, each of which included specific subcomponents. In conclusion, recommendations were provided to improve crisis management strategies for similar future situations.