Acceptability of the Urban Family Medicine Project among Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study of Medical Offices, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: It is essential to organize private physicians in urban areas by developing urban family medicine in Iran. Acceptance of this project is currently low among physicians. The present research determined the factors affecting acceptability of the Urban Family Medicine Project among physicians working in the private sector of Mazandaran and Fars provinces in Iran.Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in Mazandaran and Fars provinces. The target population was all physicians working in private offices in these regions. The sample size was calculated to be 860. The instrument contained 70 items that were modified in accordance with feedback from eight healthcare managers and a pilot sample of 50 physicians. Data was analyzed using the LISREL 8.80. Results:The response rate was 82.21% and acceptability was almost 50% for all domains. The fit indices of the structural model were the chi-square to degree-of-freedom (2.79), normalized fit index (0.98), non-normalized fit index (0.99), comparative fit index (0.99), and root mean square error of approximation (0.05). Training facilities had no significant direct effect on acceptability; however, workload had a direct negative effect on acceptability. Other factors had direct positive effects on acceptability. Conclusion:Specification of the factors relating to acceptance of the project among private physicians is required to develop the project in urban areas. It is essential to upgrade the payment system, remedy cultural barriers, decrease the workload, improve the scope of practice and working conditions, and improve collaboration between healthcare professionals.

Five years after implementation of urban family physician program in fars province of Iran: Are people's knowledge and practice satisfactory?

“…[ 4 ] In Iran, FPP was launched in rural areas and cities with a population <20,000 in 2005. [ 5 6 ] Following that and due to Iran's fifth development program (I5DP) in health sector[ 7 ] and considering positive experiences from FPP in rural areas,[ 8 ] urban FPP (UFPP) was planned and has been piloted in Fars and Mazandaran provinces of Iran, since 2012. [ 5 ] According to evidence, knowledge and practice of people toward FPP have a key role in achieving its goals.…”