Abstract
IntroductionHealth benefits package (HBP) is regarded as one of the main dimensions of health financing strategy. Even with increasing demands for prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) services to approximately 0.5% of the world’s population, only 15% of vulnerable groups have the chance to make use of such benefits. Inadequate coverage of P&O services in the HBP is accordingly one of the leading reasons for this situation in many countries, including Iran.AimsThe main objective of this study was to find and prioritize solutions in order to facilitate and promote P&O services in the Iranian HBP.Study designA mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) research design was employed in this study.MethodsThis study was conducted in two phases. First, semi-structured interviews were undertaken to retrieve potential solutions. Then an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) reflecting on seven criteria of acceptability, effectiveness, time, cost, feasibility, burden of disease, and fairness was performed to prioritize them.ResultsIn total, 26 individuals participated in semi-structured interviews and several policy solutions were proposed. Following the AHP, preventive interventions, infant-specific interventions, inpatient interventions, interventions until 6 years of age, and emergency interventions gained the highest priority to incorporate in the Iranian HBP.ConclusionA number of policy solutions were explored and prioritized for P&O services in the Iranian HBP. Our findings provide a framework for decision- and policy-makers in Iran and other countries aiming to curb the financial burdens of P&O users, especially in vulnerable groups.
Highlights
Health benefits package (HBP) is regarded as one of the main dimensions of health financing strategy
Following the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), preventive interventions, infant-specific interventions, inpatient interventions, interventions until 6 years of age, and emergency interventions gained the highest priority to incorporate in the Iranian HBP
Up to 15% of in need groups have the chance to make use of such benefits [8], which can disrupt progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In view of this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) is striving to promote rehabilitation services including those of prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) in health care systems, through initiating several guidelines like the Global Disability Action Plan (GDAP) 2014–2021 [9] and Rehabilitation in Health Systems (RHS) [10] as well as Rehabilitation 2030: A Call for Action [11]
Summary
Health benefits package (HBP) is regarded as one of the main dimensions of health financing strategy. Even with increasing demands for prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) services to approximately 0.5% of the world’s population, only 15% of vulnerable groups have the chance to make use of such benefits. Inadequate coverage of P&O services in the HBP is one of the leading reasons for this situation in many countries, including Iran
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
