Designing a tool to evaluate the technical quality of health care provided to children with autism spectrum disorder in Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Various centers and organizations are involved in providing services to children with autism spectrum disorder in Iran and there is no specific tool to assess the technical quality of services provided to children with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this study is to design a tool to assess the technical quality of health care provided to children with autism spectrum disorder in Iran. Methods: The present study is a multi-stage study that has used extensive review and qualitative study. An extensive review of the technical quality of health care provided to children with autism was first conducted in databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and sites related to the International Autism Child Care Associations. The opinions of experts and parents were assessed using a questionnaire. The first tool was compiled by the research team and then reviewed and finalized in the form of a panel of experts. Results: Based on the findings of the review of articles showed that the indicators extracted from these articles were classified into 9 areas. These included screening and diagnosis, medical interventions, behavioral therapy, managerial interventions, clinical data, family collaboration, community-based interventions, improvement indicators and care outcomes, access to health care, and exploitation. Based on a review of services related to the initial assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the clinical guidelines of different countries, 33 different recommendations were identified in 5 categories including: screening, evaluation and diagnosis, screening and diagnosis tools, assessment team and family. Took. In the field of services related to intervention and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, 43 different recommendations were identified in clinical guidelines of different countries, which are in 7 categories, including: providers, service centers, services, medication, therapeutic approaches, environmental safety, research and The research was categorized Conclusion: Considering that different services are provided to children with autism in Iran by different institutions, but there is no useful tool to evaluate the technical quality of the services provided. Having a tool to evaluate the technical quality of services provided to children with autism can be useful in providing quality services for children with autism.