Applying Interpretive- Structural Modelling to Review Priorities of Health Reform Plan: Evidence-based policy making

Considering the fact that the health reform plan has been implemented for five years, it is necessary to re-evaluate the plan and adapt it to the needs and macro policies of our society. Therefore, the current study aimed to use health-related scientific evidences together with the experiences, opinion, and expertise of field professionals to achieve priorities for health reform plan and adapt them to future needs of the country.
 

This qualitative study was conducted in 2018. At first, scientific evidences were gathered through review of literature, and then a semi-structured interview was developed to collect data from 15 health professsionals and experts chosen through a snowball sampling method. Data were analyzed using content analysis method.

The results demonstrated the existence of 12 policies which were then prioritized by using Interpretive- Structural Modelling.
Conclusion. Evidence-based policymaking should be used as the main approach in health system, and careful attention should be paid to policies for the old, for preventing diseases and promoting mental health, for accident and incident, for modifying internal processes, such as electronic health records, and for developing health guidelines, referral system and family doctors.