Management of hemotherapy services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the management of hemotherapy services (HS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of municipal managers in different regions of Brazil. A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews was applied to HS managers in the three Brazilian capitals, from different regions of Brazil, during the period between September 2021 and April 2022. The textual content of the interviews was submitted to lexicographic textual analysis using the free access software, Iramuteq. The managers’ perceptions resulted from the descending hierarchical classification (DHC) analysis, which generated six classes: availability of resources for the development of work; installed capacity of services; strategies and challenges for attracting blood donors; risks and worker protection; measures for crisis management; and communication strategies for the adhesion of candidates for donation. The analysis highlighted several strategies used by the management, as well as pointed out limits and challenges for HS organization and management, exacerbated in the context of the pandemic.