Leadership Challenges in Neonatal Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: The challenges faced by neonatal healthcare leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic are not well documented. This study aimed to identify key challenges, barriers, personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and lessons learned by neonatal healthcare leaders during the pandemic.

Study Design: We conducted a voluntary, anonymous, online survey.

Results: A total of 154 leaders responded. The exact number of survey recipients could not be enumerated because the survey was sent via email distribution lists (listservs). The key challenges reported included managing patient and family-centered care, staffing shortages, education and training, resource allocation, communication, support systems, and maintaining trust in a time of uncertainty. Common self-care techniques included exercise, sleep, meditation, social support, and taking time off. Respondents highlighted lessons such as the critical importance of effective communication, flexibility, teamwork, resilience, and the prioritization of self-care for sustainable leadership.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for structured crisis management strategies and proactive support systems to strengthen resilience in neonatal healthcare leaders, enhancing preparedness for future systemic crises.