The Challenges of Implementing the Family Physician Plan in Iran and Providing Solutions for Its Improvement: A Qualitative Study on Urban Family Physicians
نویسندگان
1 Department of Management, Si.C., Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran
2 Department of Management, Si.C., Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran
3 Department of Management, Si.C., Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran
doi
10.30476/jhmi.2025.107889.1302چکیده
Introduction: The family physician plan is a key health policy proposed in Iran over thepast decade, emphasizing the vital role of health in societal development and welfare.Its importance necessitates a thorough study that focuses on the support systems, trends,and events affecting its implementation. This research aims to develop future scenariosfor the urban family physician plan in Iran to inform policymaking better and enhance itseffectiveness.Methods: This 2024 qualitative study identified key challenges and drivers of the familyphysician plan through 18 interviews with experts, policymakers, and executives. Usingan uncertainty approach, these drivers were mapped into a matrix to develop futurescenarios.Results: Based on content analysis of the interviews, challenges were categorized into 37subcategories and 10 main categories, while solutions were organized into 51 subcategoriesand 12 main categories. After identifying the most critical solutions to address thesechallenges, a 2x2 matrix was created using an uncertainty-based approach, leading to fourfuture scenarios for the family physician plan.Conclusion: According to the views of this program’s experts and policymakers, the mostimportant solution to improve the quality and effectiveness of the family physician plan is toreform and strengthen the referral system and secure sustainable financing.
