فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease prevalent in young and middle‑agedpeople. Patients with MS often have numerous complicated needs and, consequently, requirea broad range of health services. Results of a number of studies indicate that patients’ needsare only partially met. Aims: This study was conducted to explore the challenges of healthcaredelivery to patients with MS in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative case study,43 participants selected through purposeful sampling were interviewed using semi‑structuredmethod in the cities of Isfahan and Tehran in 2012–2013. Besides the interview, documentationsrelevant to healthcare delivery were collected from different sources, including websites ofall Iranian universities of medical sciences, insurance organizations, patients’ weblogs, newsagencies, the MS Center forum for MS patients, and MS Payam bimonthly. The data wereanalyzed through the constant comparative analysis. Results: The data were categorizedinto four main categories, including functional challenges (diagnosis problems, failure topay attention to patient needs, failure to follow‑up, and miscommunication), administrativechallenges (resource allocation and supervision), policy‑making challenges (lack ofcomprehensive services, bureaucracy, and problems in provision of medications), and structuralchallenges (difficult access to services, lack of comprehensive centers, space limit, and longwait). Conclusion: Despite all attempts of governmental and nongovernmental organizationsfor healthcare delivery to MS patients, these services cannot satisfy all needs of the patients.In this regard, service providers and administrators should pay more attention to the needsand expectations of patients and their families.