Iranian Professional's Perception about Advantages of Developing Home Health Care System in Iran

The aim of this study was to understand the viewpoint of professionals about developing home health care system (home care services and home nursing) in Iran. In this qualitative study, semi structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted and thematic analysis was performed. After each session, the correctness of all notes was checked with the participants. For expert validation, interview contents were separately checked with two academic members and then were combined. Five themes regarding home health care advantages were identified which were: economic advantages, social advantages, advantages for the patient, family, and health care system. Findings indicate that home care insures solidarity in family and society it will also promote the quality of life and community health, and reduce health care costs. Home care increases satisfaction of patient and family and improves quality of services, since it is being provided in familiar and friendly context. It also reduces medical errors and adverse affects caused by clinical and hospital procedures. Based on participants’ perception, home care has socioeconomic advantages and uses the capacity of the families, communities, and non governmental organizations in service provision thus, plays an important role in providing health care services. Implementing home care will help to develop better community participation, which is a principle of primary health care that has not yet been reached in Iran. Obviously, evidence-based studies such as assessment of cost effectiveness are needed to identify the exact benefits of home health care systems in Iran.