Barriers and Facilitators of Voluntary Participation by Health Care Personnel During Crises: A Qualitative Interview...

This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators influencing voluntary participation in health care crises.

This qualitative and exploratory study was conducted in 2025 at governmental health care centers in eastern Iran. Data were collected through a series of unstructured interviews. Stratified, purposeful, and snowball sampling were employed. Data analysis was performed using the qualitative thematic analysis approach as outlined by Braun and Clarke.

Data saturation was achieved after conducting interviews with 14 participants. Barriers to voluntary participation among health care personnel were organized into four primary themes: Physical, Psychological, and Emotional Challenges; Organizational Issues; Financial and Material Constraints; and Family, Social, and Cultural Concerns. Conversely, facilitators promoting voluntary participation were classified into 5 main themes: Intrinsic Motivation, Values, and Personal Characteristics; Cultural, Social, and Family Support; Organizational Support and Leadership; Experience and Skills; and Material and Financial Incentives.

Barriers and facilitators varied across clinical and paramedical professions, with differences also noted between physicians and nurses. The negative impact of closed, autocratic, and non-transparent organizations highlighted the importance of an open, accountable, and equitable environment in promoting voluntary engagement.