A qualitative study of 18 hospital decision-makers shows that during crises such as the pandemic, attention narrows to urgent threats, often sidelining routine care. Safeguards for minimizing unintended consequences outside immediate crisis responses were less consistently maintained, leading to potential disruptions in non-emergency areas.
Organizational learning from one crisis can enhance preparedness in future ones, improving operational performance and logistics. However, the authors advise hospital leaders to maintain collaborations and systematic evaluations to protect non-crisis services.