Abstract
BackgroundPhenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a public health measure taken to diagnose and treat the patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological disorders in them. The present study was aimed at analyzing the policies of the national PKU screening (NaPS) program in Iran.MethodsPKU screening program policies were analyzed in compliance with the policy triangle model. Document review and 38 semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Document review data were analyzed using content analysis, and interview data were analyzed using framework analysis.ResultsThe national PKU screening (NaPS) program was a decision made at the genetics department of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in Iran. Many internal and external stakeholders were involved in it and valid evidence was used to formulate the policies. Despite some opposition and insufficient support, the program was implemented due to the continuous persistence of parents, interested executives, formulated valid content and a top-down approach. The main barriers included rapid substitution of managers, shortage of Phe-free milk, little awareness of patients’ families, social stigma, and inadequate co-operation of some hospital administrators.ConclusionsThe policy triangle framework contributed to explaining the different components of the PKU screening program. A successful PKU screening program requires more stability of senior managers in MOHME, enough human resources and Phe-free milk, educating patients’ families, and commitment of hospitals administrators. Meanwhile, all the stakeholders need to be involved in the program effectively.
Highlights
Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a public health measure taken to diagnose and treat the patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological disorders in them
Neonatal screening is a population-based public health screening program implemented for early detection [9]
Findings were reported based on four categories of policy triangle framework
Summary
Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a public health measure taken to diagnose and treat the patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological disorders in them. The present study was aimed at analyzing the policies of the national PKU screening (NaPS) program in Iran. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common hereditary metabolic disorder in the world [1]. Patients with PKU show high levels of phenylalanine in the blood serum, and develop neurological disorders such as mental retardation, seizures, behavioral problems, and developmental delays [2,3,4]. Neonatal screening is a population-based public health screening program implemented for early detection [9]. PKU screening is a prerequisite for early implementation of the Phe restricted diet, which is essential to prevent severe neurological disorders in patients with PKU [10]. Most developed countries carry out PKU screening, and any newborn with PKU is immediately
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