The challenges of Iranian health system preparedness before earthquakes based on the World Health Organization framework
نویسندگان
1 Trauma and Injury Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
2 PhD in Health in Emergency and Disaster, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
3
doi
چکیده
INTRODUCTION: The state of health‑care disaster preparedness in Iran prior to the possibleearthquakes is not well documented. This study identified the challenges of the Iranian health systembefore possible earthquakes in Tehran based on the World Health Organization (WHO) framework.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, in‑depth and semi‑structured interviews wereconducted for 17 health experts and authorities, who were selected based on purposive samplingmethod. The questions were designed based on the proposed framework of the WHO in six areasincluding policies and planning, communication, collaboration and coordination, training, volunteersand the public, and surge capability. The data were analyzed by using framework analysis.RESULTS: The main themes included weak communication infrastructures, inappropriate assessmentof specialized training courses and lack of a clear scenario, integrated urban commanding,extra‑sectorial coordination, and data banks for public volunteers.CONCLUSION: Iran health‑care disaster preparedness was tested by many earthquakes. Thisresearch showed that disaster preparedness in Iran faces several challenges.
