Designing a Domestic Model for Resource Management at Counseling Centers for Behavioral Illnesses in Iran

Establishing Counseling Centers for Behavioral Illnesses (CCBIs) is a practical solution for preventing AIDS, sexually-transmitted diseases, and drug abuse in countries that have successfully implemented prevention programs. More efficient management models can help such centers better achieve their goals using the inevitably limited existing resources. The main goal of this study was to design a domestic model for resource management at CCBIs. In this descriptive-comparative study, a form was designed to gather relevant data from countries being studied. Based on the study goals, gathered data were organized into comparative tables, based on which the primary model was designed. A questionnaire was used to test and validate the primary model. The model was finalized by collecting the opinions of 30 experts, faculty members, and managers from the Ministry of Health and Universities of Medical Sciences using the Delphi technique. All countries studied had used their resources for managing prevention and treatment programs for AIDS and other behavioral diseases despite existing challenges. In most countries studied, the clinics were decentralized and counseling and contraception services were also provided in rural areas. Besides, such services were often integrated with primary care clinical services. Occasionally, internet-based, online counseling was also used. The present investigation showed participation of non-governmental organizations, provision of all services free of charge, integration of services into primary care clinics, continuing education for the personnel of CCBIs, establishing special centers for high-risk groups such as sex workers, school-based health education, launching educational websites, and absorbing international aid can all contribute to improvement of resource management and performance at CCBIs.