Background:The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, requiring adaptive leadership, coordination, and resilience. In Region Östergötland, a Regional Special Healthcare Management structure was established to manage the crisis. Objective:To describe the methodological and theoretical framework used to evaluate the management of the COVID-19 pandemic within the Regional Special Healthcare Management organization in Region Östergötland. Results:The report presents a multi-method evaluation approach combining qualitative and quantitative data sources, including observations, document analysis, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Key analytical frameworks include resilience theory, situational awareness, sensemaking, and command and coordination processes. The study emphasizes the importance of a multi-level and multi-theoretical approach to understanding complex crisis management. It identifies challenges in data reliability, causal attribution, and the dynamic and prolonged nature of the pandemic. Analytical tools such as thematic analysis, content analysis, and resilience assessment models are proposed to capture organizational performance and adaptive capacities. Conclusion:A comprehensive, multi-method, and theory-informed approach is necessary to evaluate complex healthcare crisis management. The proposed framework enables a deeper understanding of organizational resilience, leadership, and decision-making processes, supporting future improvements in preparedness and crisis response.