title: Family medicine in Iran: facing the health system challenges.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In response to the current fragmented context of health systems, it is essential to support the revitalization of primary health care in order to provide a stronger sense of direction and integrity. Around the world, family medicine recognized as a core discipline for strengthening primary health care setting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to understand the perspectives of policy makers and decision makers of Iran's health system about the implementation of family medicine in Iran urban areas.
  This study is a qualitative study with framework analysis. Purposive semi-structured interviews were conducted with Policy and decision makers in the five main organizations of Iran health care system. The codes were extracted using inductive and deductive methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Policy and decision makers, three main themes and 8 subthemes extracted, including: The development of referral system, better access to health care and the management of chronic diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Family medicine is a viable means for a series of crucial reforms in the face of the current challenges of health system. Implementation of family medicine can strengthen the PHC model in Iran urban areas. Attempting to create a general consensus among various stakeholders is essential for effective implementation of the project.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. esmaeili.r@gmu.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Esmaeili
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hadian
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rashidian
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shariati
authors.forename: Hossien
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ghaderi
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration