Perspective of Health Care Providers about Barriers of Instructional Programs: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: The education presented to the clients by the health care personnel can guarantee the well-being of the individuals and stimulate sound health care behaviors in them. Recognizing the barriers to health education enhances the understanding and knowledge of preventive services. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the perspective of health care providers about barriers of instructional programs in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in the urban health care centers of Sanandaj, West of Iran, in 2016. Using purposive sampling, 15 experienced employees in charge of health care education were included in the study. Data were collected through individual interview and group discussions, observation and field notes, were and analyzed by conventional content analysis. To confirm the accuracy and strength of the data, credibility, confirmability, and transferability components were taken into account. Results: The results of data analysis yielded 5 major categories: (1) health center related problems; (2) lack of preparation for education; (3) clients’ problems; (4) personal problems of the personnel; and (5) organizational factors. The participants reported the significance of intra- and intersectoral cooperation and coordination in implementation of health care education programs and the need for further attention from authorities to health care education. Conclusions: The findings revealed that presentation of health care education is a complicated issue, which is influenced by various factors. Also, the success of educational programs in health care centers is not merely an intrasectoral enterprise rather it requires the cooperation of the public media and related organizations, support of the society and attention of families and authorities to health education.