Table 2 Themes, main sub-themes, and basic concept codes extracted

Dealing with issues and challenges in the face of COVID-19 disease

Structural challenges

Lack of medical equipment, Lack of manpower,

Lack of physical space for hospitalization

Cultural challenges

Lack of belief in the disease and health protocols, Absence of an authoritative voice, The difficulty in cooperation of city officials and people. Negligence of health protocols

Educational challenges

Ineffectiveness of crisis management training courses, Lack of knowledge logistics about COVID-19

COVID-19 complexity

Confusion due to unknown disease, Destructive flood. Little monster,The real battlefield, Annoying tsunami in all aspects of socio-economic health

Individual managerial competencies

Individual competencies

Far-sightedness, Perseverance and seriousness,

Self-sacrifice,Experience and skills, Responsibility, Compassionate work

Managerial competencies

Formation of joint teams. Use of collective wisdom, Optimal use of time, Communication management, Predict and act fast

Comprehensive, accountable and Efficient management

Comprehensive and accountable management

Timely notification and awareness, Utilization of the capabilities of key people in the society, Full-time response, Accompanying people, Use of all available capacities in the society, Mobilization of faculty members and field activities

Efficient management

Physical space management in the hospital,

Equipment management, Manpower management,

Timely management with knowledge and updatedness,

Professional and organizational self-efficacy

Professional self-efficacy

Skills promotion, Feeling empowered

Organizational self-efficacy

A reduction in need and dependency. Forming scientific groups. Strengthening the intermediate managers