A model of financial support for the poor to access health services in Iran: Delphi technique

Abstract

PurposeReducing inequity in health between the poor and the rich is one of the challenges of the Iranian health sector. Access to health services in Iran is lower in the lowest-income quarter, and the rich use health services more. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive framework for enabling financial access by the poor to health services in Iran.Design/methodology/approachPolicy options were validated and approved by experts and specialists in two stages using the Delphi technique. The sample was consisted of 22 well-known experts on the subject who were selected based on purposive sampling. To evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire, a pilot study was conducted with five participants. Dimensional validity of the policy model, which was agreed upon by more than 75% of the participants was acceptable.FindingsThe main aspects of the model were divided into five categories: identifying the poor, policymaking to prevent the aggravation of health poverty, providing targeted funding, highlighting the importance of coherent regulation and ensuring financial accessibility to health services for the poor. This model could align the activities of all stakeholders in the form of a network and considers its prerequisites.Originality/valuePrevention of dire financial consequences in the case of referral to follow up the treatment alongside exemption and financial protection policies through the networking activities of organizations involved in this field is a crucial step in securing financial support for the poor. Although the researchers included a wide range of policymakers in the Delphi study to gather all perspectives about options for financially support the poor, there may be some potential neglected policy advices.

IJHG Review 28.2

“…(5) This review is based on: Etemadi et al (2023), a model of financial support for the poor to access health services in Iran: the Delphi technique…”

“…Even in a country such as the UK which at one time had the most admired and arguably efficient National Health Service in the world, today that vision of health equity for all has been diminished through creeping privatisation (Wathen, 2019). Etemadi et al (2023) examine the issues around the provision of healthcare for the poor in Iran, a country without a working model of universal health coverage. A health crisis can be debilitating for an individual or for a family where care must be paid for at the point of use.…”

“…Using a Delphi technique (Prasant et al, 2021) to develop a model for financing healthcare and propose policy options for its implementation, Etemadi et al (2023) sought informed opinion from a wide range of experts in fields relating to health and finance. These included government ministers, university professors, health economists, officials from charitable organisations and health professionals.…”