Rehabilitation in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Landscape and System Strengthening Pathways

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Auteurs principaux: Leila Doshmangir, Bahram Amirshakeri, Maryam Ghiassipour, Roghayeh Khabiri, Reza Majdzadeh
Format: Artículo Open Access
Publié: Wiley 2026
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author Leila Doshmangir
Bahram Amirshakeri
Maryam Ghiassipour
Roghayeh Khabiri
Reza Majdzadeh
author_facet Leila Doshmangir
Bahram Amirshakeri
Maryam Ghiassipour
Roghayeh Khabiri
Reza Majdzadeh
Leila Doshmangir
Bahram Amirshakeri
Maryam Ghiassipour
Roghayeh Khabiri
Reza Majdzadeh
collection Wiley Open Access
contents Rehabilitation in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Landscape and System Strengthening Pathways Leila Doshmangir Bahram Amirshakeri Maryam Ghiassipour Roghayeh Khabiri Reza Majdzadeh Health Science Reports ABSTRACT Background and Aims Rehabilitation is essential in supporting individuals with disabilities to improve their functional abilities and independence, and it is considered a key element of universal health coverage (UHC). This study examines the current considerations within Iran's rehabilitation system and offers policy suggestions aimed at strengthening and improving its performance. Methods This qualitative study utilized a systematic review of relevant documents, 22 in‐depth interviews, and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 24 participants from different levels of the health system. Participants included policymakers from the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Organization, rehabilitation center managers, and academic faculty. Data were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA version 22. Results Rehabilitation services in Iran have not yet been fully incorporated into health policy and planning, which has resulted in opportunities for further development in areas such as accessibility, service availability, governance structures, stakeholder coordination, and workforce training. The current governance arrangements and intersectoral collaboration mechanisms may benefit from greater coherence to enhance overall system performance. Moving toward a more unified stewardship framework under the Ministry of Health could contribute to aligning policies and strengthening cross‐sectoral coordination. Furthermore, integrating rehabilitation services into primary healthcare represents an important step toward providing comprehensive and continuous care. Designing an evidence‐based integration model will require a systematic assessment of existing capacities and resources. Conclusion Enhancing Iran's rehabilitation system can benefit from context‐sensitive and evidence‐informed policy initiatives. Recognizing rehabilitation as an integral component of universal health coverage may support more equitable access, continuity of services, and improved health outcomes for individuals who require such care. 10.1002/hsr2.72001 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
doi_str_mv 10.1002/hsr2.72001
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institution Wiley Open Access
license_str_mv http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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publisher Wiley
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spellingShingle Rehabilitation in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Landscape and System Strengthening Pathways
Leila Doshmangir
Bahram Amirshakeri
Maryam Ghiassipour
Roghayeh Khabiri
Reza Majdzadeh
Health Science Reports
Rehabilitation in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Landscape and System Strengthening Pathways Leila Doshmangir Bahram Amirshakeri Maryam Ghiassipour Roghayeh Khabiri Reza Majdzadeh Health Science Reports ABSTRACT Background and Aims Rehabilitation is essential in supporting individuals with disabilities to improve their functional abilities and independence, and it is considered a key element of universal health coverage (UHC). This study examines the current considerations within Iran's rehabilitation system and offers policy suggestions aimed at strengthening and improving its performance. Methods This qualitative study utilized a systematic review of relevant documents, 22 in‐depth interviews, and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 24 participants from different levels of the health system. Participants included policymakers from the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Organization, rehabilitation center managers, and academic faculty. Data were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA version 22. Results Rehabilitation services in Iran have not yet been fully incorporated into health policy and planning, which has resulted in opportunities for further development in areas such as accessibility, service availability, governance structures, stakeholder coordination, and workforce training. The current governance arrangements and intersectoral collaboration mechanisms may benefit from greater coherence to enhance overall system performance. Moving toward a more unified stewardship framework under the Ministry of Health could contribute to aligning policies and strengthening cross‐sectoral coordination. Furthermore, integrating rehabilitation services into primary healthcare represents an important step toward providing comprehensive and continuous care. Designing an evidence‐based integration model will require a systematic assessment of existing capacities and resources. Conclusion Enhancing Iran's rehabilitation system can benefit from context‐sensitive and evidence‐informed policy initiatives. Recognizing rehabilitation as an integral component of universal health coverage may support more equitable access, continuity of services, and improved health outcomes for individuals who require such care. 10.1002/hsr2.72001 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
title Rehabilitation in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Policy Landscape and System Strengthening Pathways
topic Health Science Reports
url https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hsr2.72001