Differences and their contexts between teaching and nonteaching hospitals in Iran with other countries: A concurrent...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Hospital Administration
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Hospitals are categorized as teaching or non-teaching, with operational differences influenced by national healthcare systems.
• Iran's unique healthcare system necessitates a specific examination of hospital operations compared to global standards.
• This study addresses the need to understand the distinct characteristics and operational differences of teaching and non-teaching hospitals within Iran and internationally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the operational differences between teaching and non-teaching hospitals.
• To analyze these differences within the specific context of Iran's healthcare system and contrast them with global trends.
• To identify factors contributing to the unique operational profile of Iranian hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent mixed-methods approach was employed, involving two stages.
• Stage one consisted of a narrative review of studies published between 2000 and 2020, utilizing narrative inquiry and reflective analysis.
• Stage two involved semi-structured interviews with 40 Iranian hospital managers and policymakers, analyzed using deductive content analysis with MAXQDA 12.

Main Results:

• The initial review identified key categories such as service quality, patient satisfaction, efficiency, patient safety, and technology adoption.
• The qualitative phase yielded 8 main categories, 17 categories, and 45 subcategories, including mission and target, management, supply chain, human resources, costs, policy demands, client satisfaction, and medical education integration.
• Significant differences were observed in the operational aspects of Iranian teaching hospitals.

Conclusions:

• In Iran, teaching hospitals exhibit unique differences attributed to their combined missions and substantial government dependence.
• Proposed solutions include redefining the treatment mission of teaching hospitals, adjusting budgets and tariffs, developing cost-income models, and clarifying research roles.
• Addressing these factors is crucial for reducing operational disparities and enhancing healthcare services in Iranian teaching hospitals.