Resilience of health system: the implementation of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pernambuco

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the response adopted by the health system of Pernambuco and its municipalities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of resilience. An qualitative study was carried out, with information obtained through semi-structured interviews. The results were analyzed according to the dimensions of health systems resilience management. The findings showed that the systems implemented actions related to knowledge about the disease, professional qualification, working together with other external actors, strengthening the legitimacy of actions and reducing uncertainties about the disease. Crises such as the new coronavirus are a challenge due to their unpredictability and impact on health systems. The importance of the resilience capacity debate is highlighted, mainly with a view to effective responses to the imposed obstacles.