Structures of the ageing health services provision in the world and conceptualization of an integrated model for Iran

Abstract

Background: In Iran with 8.2% population ageing is a shift in the distribution of a population towards older ages. In many developed countries the majority of older people receives integrated health care services and is not confused in fragmentation of health care services. Experts and health professionals will also focus on the integration of health care services to older persons and their careers to have an understanding of the care process related to prevention of mental and physical health distress. This study investigated the elderly care system, according to the structure and patterns of health care around the world and services provided by Iranians organizations for the elderly and finally proposed model is designed for the Iran. Methods: This study, conducted in five phases, 1) a systematic review of present elderly health care services in the worldwide and propose the comprehensive structure, 2) analysis of the delivered elderly health services in Iran, 3) gap analysis between delivered health care services in Iran wit comprehensive structure, 4) proposing comprehensive practical structure for country elderly health services, and 5) operational assessing the experts view-points on the proposed structure. Results: The main findings of the study were into four general areas of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive services that provided for older persons. Comparing Iranian health care services with the identified pattern and health care services in the world revealed the many deficiencies, especially in home care services at all levels of care, services after discharge from the hospital. Conclusion: Due to the dramatically increasing number of older persons; review and management of programs and services of the country are essential.