Challenges faced by the Iranian health system in containing COVID-19: insights from a conventional content analysis.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis, and health systems worldwide have faced numerous challenges in containing it. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by the Iranian health system in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A conventional content analysis approach was employed in this qualitative study. The research sample included experts responsible for managing, making decisions about preventing COVID-19, and caring for and treating patients. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data saturation was achieved after 29 interviews. Additionally, conventional content analysis was applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

The participants in this study identified the most significant challenges faced by Iran's health system in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, including issues related to human resources, physical and organizational structures, financial resources, inter-sectoral collaboration, personal protective equipment (PPE), social responsibility, and information services.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying these challenges can help health system managers prioritize the most critical issues. Addressing these challenges requires more than just the efforts of health systems; cooperation at the macro governance level is essential. Governments should start planning to formulate appropriate strategies.