SWOT Analysis of Health Reform Plan on Healthcare Sector from the Stakeholder Perspective

Abstract

Background and purpose: Today, health is one of the main priorities of human life. Nowadays, the viewpoints about health are different and more attention is paid to nonmedical expectations. So, this study aimed to analyze the Health Reform Plan in healthcare sector using SWOT approach from the stakeholder perspective. Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 37 people using semi-structured in-depth interviews in 2017. The participants included individuals who were informed about the Health Reform Plan, executive managers, health administrators, family physicians, and patients in comprehensive healthcare centers. They were selected by purposive sampling. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed by framework method. Results: The main strengths included empowering the managers, developing and facilitating the health network, electronic health records, increasing the accessibility of services, and promoting self care. The weak points were as follows: management of human resources, choosing the managers, financial management, poor infrastructures, treatment-based system, low efficacy of recording system, and payment system. The opportunities included authorities’ supports, legal backing, and public-private sector cooperation. The threats were lack of sustainable financing, aging phenomenon, and non-communicable diseases. Conclusion: This study showed the strengths and weaknesses of Health Reform Plan in healthcare sector, and its opportunities and threats. Therefore, efficient interventions are needed to ensure appropriate and precise planning and implementation of this project.

Keywords

• reform plan
• health system
• health sector
• swot