| خلاصه مقاله | Background: The demand for long–term care (LTC) services for older adults is on the rise in Iran, driven by the rapid aging of the population. However, LTC governance in Iran faces numerous challenges, including a lack of coordination, evidence, and policy reform. Despite the impending demographic shift, the current health infrastructure in Iran predominantly caters to the care of younger individuals. This paper aims to explore the LTC governance for older adults in Iran.
Material and methods: Data derived from 29 semi–structured interviews with policy makers, health insurance industry representatives, academics, and policy experts. Employing a conventional content analysis method, the study identified three overarching themes and 12 sub–themes encapsulating key facets of LTC governance in Iran. These themes encompass policy making and evidence generation, internal governance, and inter–departmental leadership.
Results: The findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to LTC governance in Iran, involving various stakeholders with the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the helm as the primary trustee and regulator. Moreover, the study emphasizes the imperative of shifting policy paradigms towards a health-oriented perspective and prioritizing evidence–based policy–making.
Conclusion: This research holds promise in informing the development and implementation of an LTC system tailored to meet the needs and preferences of older adults and their caregivers in Iran. |