Analysis of Land Use Policy of higher health education in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The "Land Use Policy of higher health education in the Islamic Republic of Iran" has been in the implementation stage for about five years and has not been analysed using conventional policy analysis models. Therefore, this study aims to analyse and evaluate the Land Use Policy of higher health education in the Islamic Republic of Iran using scientific and principled approaches. Methodology: The present study is a qualitative study with a case study approach that aims to analyse the "Land Use Policy of higher health education in the Islamic Republic of Iran". The "Policy Triangle Framework" model has been used for policy analysis. In order to collect data, the review of literature, analysis of existing documents, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and experts have been performed. The main participants of the present study were officials, stakeholders, experts, and people aware of the policy of "territorial planning of higher health education in the Islamic Republic" at the national and provincial levels. The participants were selected based on the research purpose. In order to analyse the data, Conventional Content Analysis has been used. Results: The findings of this study were obtained in the form of four sections: context, content, stakeholders, and process. In the context section, the general policies of the health system, health economics, health system culture and social harm elimination were identified, the most important result of which was in the social harm elimination section, which refers to students' academic migration (abroad or inter-provincial) that this policy has played a significant role in resolving this problem. In the content section, the most critical identified policy goal is to achieve educational justice and decentralisation. In the stakeholder analysis section, the main finding is the non-financial motivation of all stakeholders and the factors involved in this policy. However, all stakeholders also had a noticeable, informed, and positive impact; this was also one of the results obtained from this study. Finally, in the process section, in the form of an agenda, for problem flow, centralism, lack of fair distribution, and lack of scientific authority were identified. Concerning the policy process, the national goals and ambitious plans of the Ministry of Health and the approval laws were achieved. In the end, for the political process, the emergence of supporters of this policy or people who support the policy and the implementation of the transformation plan in the field of health and treatment were the results of this study. The opportunity of the gap in this study was also identified health-oriented government and implementing the Health Transformation Plan for Health, and the need for change in education. As of policy evaluation, this policy's most significant weaknesses and challenges were political dependence and lack of a solid organisational chart. The most important results in terms of strengths were government support and the use of indigenous capacities. The most important achievement of this policy is decentralisation in order to promote justice. Conclusion: This study, based on the results of reviewing texts and experiences and researchers' results, has scientifically analysed the Land Use Policy of higher health education in the Islamic Republic of Iran for the first time. The results, findings and good information provided by this study can be used by officials, stakeholders, policymakers, and trustees in this field to promote and develop this policy and subsequent policies.