Medicine Crisis Indicators in the Pharmaceutical System of Iran: A Descriptive Strategic Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Iran is one of the countries that frequently encounters natural disasters. Providing and delivering medicine and initiating treatment for the injured in the early stages of disasters and crisis play a significant role in reducing pain, fatal injuries, and increasing the chances of recovery and survival for the injured individuals. Aim: To design a model for drug management during crises and hazards in Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from October 2019 to November 2020 at Department of Health Services Management, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. The opinions of 30 health and drug experts from the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Health in Iran were considered in developing the initial conceptual model. Subsequently, a questionnaire was designed, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire evaluated seven parameters, including supply chain, policy-making, organisation, guidance and leadership, crisis instances, planning, and education. These parameters were scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. The total number of respondents was 403. Direct or reverse encoding was applied depending on the nature of the positive or negative questions. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 22 software. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to develop the final model for drug management during crises and hazards. Results: The results highlighted the importance of factors such as supply chain, policy-making, organisation, guidance and leadership, crisis instances, planning, and education in influencing drug management during crises and disasters. These findings were based on the perspectives of intermediate and senior managers in the medicine supply and distribution system in Iran. Conclusion: The model presented in the present study presents and emphasises the crucial factors that impact drug management during crises and disasters.