A qualitative study on human resources for primary health care in Iran.
BACKGROUND
According to World Bank Group report, while Primary Health Care (PHC) services in Iran were appropriate to the needs of the population in the late 1970s and 1980s, the changing burden of diseases and shifting demand patterns have rendered the existing PHC system no longer suitable to meet current and emergent needs. Based on previous studies, one of the main PHC challenges in Iran relates to human resources issues.


METHODS
This study was conducted in 2012 at 3 scales of local (Tabriz city), provincial (East Azerbaijan), and national levels. Two qualitative methods were used in the study: free-focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Framework analysis was used to analyze collected data. Categories of analysis were developed using framework analysis approach, and main themes were emerged.


RESULTS
Four themes were developed and finalized out of focus group discussions and interviews: availability of health workers in PHC, competency, PHC health workers' motivation, and PHC managerial issues.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on findings and issues discovered in this study, several suggestions can be made, including development, implementation, and evaluation of needs assessment strategies for various vocational posts, promotion of educational courses and PHC-based training, strengthening of relationships and coordination between practical and scientific bodies, application of incentive programs in PHC, and strengthening of system management capacity through use of qualified managers.
Health Services Management, Research Center for Health Services Management, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Mahmood
M
Nekoei Moghadam
Department of Health Management, Economics and Policy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Mohammadreza
M
Amiresmaili
Health Services Management, Department of Health Services Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Vahideh
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6380-6018
V
Sadeghi
Preventive and Community Medicine Specialist, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Ali-Hossein
AH
Zeinalzadeh
Management of System and Productivity, Alghadir Institute of Higher Education, Tabriz, Iran.
Mahmud
M
Tupchi
Department of Health Management, Economics and Policy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Sahar
S
Parva
D002983:Clinical Competence; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007492:Iran; D009042:Motivation; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000078329:Workforce
Iran primary health care; human resources; weaknesses and challenge