Volume 26, Issue 3 (Fall 2023)
Hakim 2023, 26(3): 297-307 |
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Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1400.375
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Barzegari J, Raeissi P, AryanKhesal A, Reisi N, Hashemi M. Qualitative Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Iran’s Primary Healthcare System in Managing Non-Communicable Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hakim 2023; 26 (3) :297-307
URL: http://hakim.tums.ac.ir/article-1-2336-en.html
URL: http://hakim.tums.ac.ir/article-1-2336-en.html
1- PhD in Healthcare management, National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- PhD in Psychology, Professor, Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,raeissi.p@iums.ac.ir
3- PhD in Health policy, Professor, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Department of Health Services Management, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- MD, Professor, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5- MD, Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- PhD in Psychology, Professor, Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
3- PhD in Health policy, Professor, School of Health Services Management and Medical Information Science, Department of Health Services Management, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4- MD, Professor, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
5- MD, Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (24 Views)
Introduction: Given the critical importance of preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), this study aims to examine the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare service delivery for NCD patients at the primary healthcare level during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: The present qualitative research was conducted with the content analysis method in 2022, and the data was collected with the participation of 11 experts (in charge of non-communicable diseases from 11 universities of medical sciences in Iran) through individual interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA software.
Findings: Analysis revealed key strengths and weaknesses in non-communicable disease (NCD) service delivery during the pandemic. Strengths included effective population access through the primary healthcare network, patient registries, implementation of the IraPEN program, use of portable devices, and increased public trust. Weaknesses fell into two categories: planning gaps—such as superficial data recording, low managerial priority for NCDs, and limited telemedicine—and organizational challenges, including staff multitasking, privatization of health centers, weak referral systems, and shortages of personnel and equipment. These factors collectively undermined the continuity and quality of chronic care during the crisis.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that the health network structure and innovative programs (such as Ira-PEN) served as key strengths that enabled the relative continuity of services. However, policy-related challenges (such as lack of prioritization and a treatment-oriented approach) and organizational limitations (including staff multitasking and weaknesses in telemedicine infrastructure) have had significant negative impacts.
Methodology: The present qualitative research was conducted with the content analysis method in 2022, and the data was collected with the participation of 11 experts (in charge of non-communicable diseases from 11 universities of medical sciences in Iran) through individual interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA software.
Findings: Analysis revealed key strengths and weaknesses in non-communicable disease (NCD) service delivery during the pandemic. Strengths included effective population access through the primary healthcare network, patient registries, implementation of the IraPEN program, use of portable devices, and increased public trust. Weaknesses fell into two categories: planning gaps—such as superficial data recording, low managerial priority for NCDs, and limited telemedicine—and organizational challenges, including staff multitasking, privatization of health centers, weak referral systems, and shortages of personnel and equipment. These factors collectively undermined the continuity and quality of chronic care during the crisis.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that the health network structure and innovative programs (such as Ira-PEN) served as key strengths that enabled the relative continuity of services. However, policy-related challenges (such as lack of prioritization and a treatment-oriented approach) and organizational limitations (including staff multitasking and weaknesses in telemedicine infrastructure) have had significant negative impacts.
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/11/26 | Accepted: 2023/12/21 | Published: 2023/12/21
Received: 2025/11/26 | Accepted: 2023/12/21 | Published: 2023/12/21
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