Designing a model for implementing diagnosis-related groups in Iran: An action plan approach

Implementing diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) in different countries increases the efficiency of healthcare services, improves treatment quality, and reduces treatment costs. Due to the lack of a coherent model for its implementation, the present study aimed to develop a DRGs-based implementation action plan Model for Iran.

The present study was an applied, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in three stages. In the first stage, a review of studies conducted in different countries was carried out. In the second stage, a model was designed for an action plan to implement the DRGs in Iran. In the third stage, the model was validated based on the Delphi technique.

The DRGs-based implementation action plan model in Iran was designed in three primary axes, including the strategic approach of the DRGs-based implementation action plan, technical dimensions, and executive institutions involved in the DRGs-based implementation action plan. Validation of the designed model showed the agreement of experts (94%) for the mentioned axes.

The significance of tailoring a DRGs-based implementation action plan to each country's unique context is well-established. Given the intricacies of the Iranian healthcare system, we recommend an initial pilot implementation of DRGs at the hospital level, followed by a gradual national rollout.