Palliative Care Policy Analysis in Iran: A Conceptual Model

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Policy Analysis
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Palliative care programs are expanding for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
• Early and increased access to palliative care is a growing concern in health services, policy, and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore stakeholders' perceptions of factors influencing palliative care system design.
• To analyze policies related to palliative care system development.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative-directed content analysis of semi-structured interviews.
• Purposive sampling of 22 participants.
• Utilized the "policy analysis triangle" framework.

Main Results:

• Identified four key categories impacting palliative care policy: context (political, social, structural feasibility), content (target setting), process (stakeholder participation, care standardization, education management), and actors (Ministry of Health, healthcare providers, volunteers).
• Findings highlight the specific factors influencing palliative care policy in Iran.

Conclusions:

• Palliative care has gained significant attention in Iran, supported by the National Cancer Research Network and Ministry of Health.
• Successful health system planning necessitates attention to social, political, and executive feasibility.
• Effective management of diverse stakeholders is crucial but challenging for national palliative care plans.