Developing Primary Health Care Governance Model for Iran

Abstract

Abstract Introduction:The aim of Primary Health Care (PHC) governance is improving responsibility, accountability and health outcomes of provided services to customers. Aim:This study aimed at developing a model of PHC governance for Iran. Methods and Materials: This is a qualitative study. Literature review was used for gathering data about state of Iran's PHC system, primary care governance models in leading countries, and indicators related to success of PHC governance model. A qualitative study was used to determine the elements and components of PHC governance model of Iran's PHC system. Finally, the validity of the model was assessed using Delphi method. Finding: Iran's Primary health care system is facing some challenges such as weaknesses in trusteeship foundations, Low responsiveness and accountability, Low participation of individuals and community, weaknesses in the current evaluation and health care information systems, poor quality of service and finally weakness in the quality of primary health care provider's education. Proposed Iran's PHC governance model, with a fundamental pillar of leadership, five main pillars of (quality management, community involvement, health information management, human resource development, monitoring and evaluation), and 22 components and 64 assessment indicators, was designed with the aim of reducing these weaknesses and challenges by relying on strengths and opportunities of the system. Conclusion: This model can provide a context for a change the attitude and performance of managers and health care providers by offering the necessary elements and components to improve the services quality and accountability, also by providing the suitable performance indicators, can assess primary health care system progress towards excellence and it will be prevented subjective judgment in this regard.