Process In Iran Research Articles

A Retrospective Analysis of Universal Health Insurance Policy-Making Process in Iran: A Qualitative Study.

Universal Health Insurance (UHI) coverage began in 2014, after the implementation Health Transformation Plan (HTP) to reduce out-of-pocket payments and improve access to health services in Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO). The purpose of this study was to analyze the UHI policy-making process in Iran. This study was performed using Walt and Gilson's (1994) policy triangle framework and Kingdon's multiple streams model. Data were collected through document review, in-depth individual interviews (constituting 17 policymakers and top, middle, and operational level managers), and one round-table discussion (constituting 10 top managers and senior policymakers). The majority of the participants were MD and MPH (47.07%). Document review data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Interviews and discussions were analyzed using framework analysis. The high-level documents of Iran emphasize the need for insurance coverage. The commitment of the new government to enforce the laws, concurrent implementation of the UHI and the HTP, the new government's approach to enforcing civil rights, and media pressure to speed up the implementation process. UHI was initiated in 2014 and about 11 million people across the country were covered by free health insurance but the budget did not change in proportion to the increase in insured population, and increased IHIO's debt to contracting centers. To achieve continuity and effectiveness of UHI in Iran, all stakeholders should be involved. Political will and commitment and sustainable financing are needed for it.

Президентские выборы в Иране 2024 года: институциональный и политический контекст

The article is dedicated to the presidential elections in the Islamic Republic of Iran held in the summer of 2024 in difficult conditions caused by death of the then-current president Ebrahim Raisi and complication of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East due to the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and a threat of escalation of the Lebanese-Israeli confrontation. At the same time, Israel, USA and European countries traditionally try to affect the electoral process in Iran by calling citizens for boycott of electoral procedures and claiming that voting results are illegal long before the elections. Experience of the Iranian elections is interesting not only from the standpoint of protection of electoral sovereignty but also in terms of review of the institutional design of the electoral system that significantly differs from foreign experience and reflects cultural and political features of the state.

Explaining the framework of the pro-natalist policy implementation process in Iran: A study protocol

Explaining the framework of the pro-natalist policy implementation process in Iran: A study protocol

The Impact of Early Brain-Dead Donor Detection in the Emergency Department on the Organ Donation Process in Iran.

We aimed to assess the impact of hospital characteristics on the outcomes of detected possible brain-dead donors, in our organ procurement network in Iran. Data was collected through twice-daily calls with 57 hospitals' intensive care units and emergency departments over 1year. The donation team got involved when there was suspicion of brain death before the hospital officially declared it. The data was categorized by hospital size, presence of neurosurgery/trauma departments, ownership, and referral site. Out of 813 possible donors, 315 were declared brain dead, and 203 were eligible for donation. After conducting family interviews (consent rate: 62.2%), 102 eligible donors became actual donors (conversion rate: 50.2%). While hospital ownership and the presence of trauma/neurosurgery care did not affect donation, early referral from the emergency department had a positive effect. Therefore, we strongly recommend prioritizing possible donor identification in emergency rooms and involving the organ donation team as early as possible. The use of twice-daily calls for donor identification likely contributed to the consistency in donation rates across hospitals, as this approach involves the donation team earlier and mitigates the impact of hospital characteristics. Early detection of possible donors from the emergency department is crucial in improving donation rates.

Applying Building Information Modelling (BIM) Technology in Pre-Tender Cost Estimation of Construction Projects: A Case Study in Iran

The pre-tender cost estimation serves as the foundation for determining the project cost in the early stages and is crucial for all parties involved in the tendering process. It is expected to be highly accurate. However, industry surveys have advocated that in the Iranian construction industry, the pre-tender estimated costs of construction projects are not sufficiently accurate during the bidding stage. Building information modelling (BIM) technology is a modern digital tool deployed in the construction industry that has seen substantial growth of application. It employs useful tools in different sectors and has extended its involvement in various stages of the project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, planning, design, construction, and operation and maintenance. This study examines and assesses the status of BIM development in Iran for its applicability in the pre-tender cost estimating process in construction projects. The findings of this study indicate that while there is a limited number of Iranian building projects’ BIM models that possess the required quality and capabilities for BIM-based cost estimation, the results obtained are more precise when compared to existing manual methods. Additionally, utilising BIM-based cost estimation significantly reduces the time required for this process by enhancing the speed of cost estimation operations. An innovative evaluation framework for assessing the quality and functionalities of BIM models is presented, which improves the accuracy of cost estimation before the bidding process in Iran’s construction industry. The research findings demonstrate the enhanced accuracy and effectiveness of BIM as compared to conventional approaches. It also suggests the incorporation of AI technology for model evaluation, which has the potential to become an established global industry standard.

Examining the Role of Scientific Authority of Sports Management Journals in the Sports Policy-Making Process: Impact Analysis and Strategies

The objective of this study is to examine the role of the scientific authority of sports management journals in the sports policy-making process in Iran. The study aims to identify the impact of reputable academic journals on sports policy, the challenges and obstacles in the communication between these journals and policymakers, and to propose strategies to improve the policy-making process. This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach with a literature review methodology. Data were collected through the examination of credible scientific sources, articles published in national and international journals, and analysis of related research findings. The study aimed to explore the role of scientific authority in sports policy-making in Iran by analyzing content and reviewing relevant literature. The findings indicate that reputable scientific journals can significantly influence sports policy-making. However, in Iran, several barriers, including ineffective communication between scientific journals and policymakers, cultural and managerial obstacles, and insufficient use of scientific knowledge in policy formulation, have reduced the impact of these journals. The results also show that strengthening the interaction between universities and governmental bodies, developing scientific networks, and enhancing international collaborations can help improve the sports policy-making process in Iran. The scientific authority of sports management journals plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of sports policy-making in Iran. However, to better utilize these academic resources, existing barriers must be addressed, and communication between researchers and policymakers must be strengthened. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the challenges of sports policy-making in Iran to provide suitable strategies for improving these processes.

Influence of Islam on the stability and adaptability of the political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran

In the realm of Iran's political landscape, we find an extraordinary, indeed unique, system that has endured for over four decades. This intricate political framework is rooted in the Shia Islamic tradition, setting it apart from conventional political models. It is marked by a remarkable duality, where the secular and religious spheres of authority coexist in a delicate equilibrium. Furthermore, it boasts a dual legitimacy, with religious institutions wielding substantial influence over the state's affairs. The primary objective of this discourse lies in the assessment of the system's efficiency and adaptability within the context of Iran's socio-political environment. A profound exploration delves into the direct impact of Islam on the various political institutions and organizations that shape the nation's destiny. Thus, Islam emerges as a pivotal factor in not only maintaining political stability but also in ensuring the resilience of the entire political system. Contemporary Iran showcases a synthesis of republican and religious governing bodies, incorporating Western democratic principles with the Shia understanding of the Muslim community's life. While all republican authorities are elected through democratic processes, they remain subject to oversight by religious institutions. Notably, the past four decades have witnessed a greater consolidation of power in the hands of the Supreme Leader and religious entities at large. Elected leaders of the republican bodies have progressively emerged from the religious elite, blurring the lines between secular and religious domains. Consequently, mass civil protests are now directed not at a specific body, be it secular or religious, but rather at authority as a whole. Central to the stability of this system is the figure of the Supreme Leader. In a truly unique fashion, the Supreme Leader simultaneously embodies divine and democratic legitimacy, standing as an unparalleled entity within the governmental structure. The dynamics of political processes in Iran unveil a nuanced reality: religion, while not directly shaping political events, seamlessly integrates into the political framework, dominating it and ensuring the efficient operation of the state machinery. Temporarily, this arrangement proves capable of upholding stability, adaptability, and dynamism within Iran's political sphere. However, an alarming trend of religious authorities encroaching upon governmental powers gradually erodes the fundamental essence of Iran's dualistic religious-political system. As a result, the benefits of such a system, particularly in terms of fostering political and socio-economic equity, are placed in jeopardy.

Investigating the quality of hemovigilance process using the first two steps of Six Sigma model: a cross-sectional study

Background and purposeHemovigilance is a set of monitoring methods that covers the blood transfusion chain, from collecting blood and blood products to monitoring the blood recipients. To this end, any error in this process can have serious and irreparable consequences for patients. The present study aimed to investigate the quality of hemovigilance process in Iran, using the first two steps of Six Sigma model.MethodsThis was a quantitative cross-sectional study that was conducted over 6 months (from August 20, 2021, to February 20, 2022) at Afzalipour Hospital in Iran, using the first two steps of Six Sigma model. The study population comprised of all inpatients who needed blood or blood product transfusion in various departments of Afzalipour Hospital, among whom 477 patients were selected via stratified sampling in three shifts (morning, evening, and night). The datasheet was used to record errors in the three shifts. This research was conducted, using the DMAIC cycle’s “define” and “measure” steps.ResultsIn the define step, the hemovigilance process at Afzalipour Hospital was divided into two categories of normal process and emergency process. Each of these processes consists of several sub-processes, including “phlebotomy,“ “requesting blood and blood products from the department,“ “preparation of application by the blood bank,“ " sending a request from the blood bank to the blood transfusion center,“ “transfusing blood and blood products,“ and “returning the blood and blood products to the blood bank and waste disposal.“ In the measure step, the quality of hemovigilance process was evaluated based on sub-processes and labels at morning, evening and night shifts. The sub-process of sending a request from the blood bank to the blood transfusion center had the highest error rate with a sigma level of 1.5. Also, the evening and night shifts had a sigma level of 1.875, and the clinical and registration labels had a sigma level of 1.875. The overall sigma level of hemovigilance process was calculated to be 2.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that the quality of hemovigilance process at Afzalipour Hospital was poor. By employing the first two steps of Six Sigma method, we identified the existing errors in the hemovigilance process of Afzalipour hospital in order to assist hospital managers to take the necessary measures to improve this process.

The Impact of Unemployment, Inflation, and Participation Rate of Women in Labor Market on Divorce Process in Iran

Introduction: The growth of the divorce rate is considered as one of the severe harms of the change in the family institution, which brings with it the expansion of numerous social problems. The status of the economic factor is an influencing factor in divorce because economic disturbances cause quarrels and conflicts between the spouses, other effective factors are social and culture status, etc. There is a parallel relationship between the trends of macroeconomic developments in Iran and the trend of divorce. On the one hand, the unfavorable situation of Iran’s macroeconomic variables and on the other hand, the significant increase in the number of divorces in Iran for the past few decades, make it important and necessary to examine the impact of macroeconomic indicators on divorce. Method: The two-stage least squares method has been used to investigate the effect of economic variables on the divorce process in Iran (1370-1400; 1991-2021). The estimation of the equations has been done in a systematic way. This issue has been analyzed with the help of simultaneity bias and diagonality test. From identification problem over specified equations are confirmed. Findings: The results show that the effect of unemployment and inflation on divorce is likely to be significant, their coefficients are equal to 0.70 and 0.14. There is a direct relationship between women’s participation in the market and the divorce rate; its coefficient is 0.74. Also, there is a simultaneous relationship between the average age of women at first marriage, this variable, and the divorce rate. Discussion: The economy is an influential factor in couples’ decision to get divorced. Therefore, to reduce its rate, the unfavorable situation of economic variables should be improved. The role of women’s participation rate in the labor market is significant, but it should be noted that part of it can be due to the previous context. That is, couples have decided to divorce, due to bad economic conditions, social disturbances, personal factors, etc., but women’s lack of independence has been an obstacle to divorce, with the woman’s employment, ultimately, divorce takes place.

Iranian women's experiences of the episiotomy consent process: a qualitative study

Background Knowledge of the benefits and complications of interventions related to medical procedures, such as episiotomy, enables women to make informed decisions regarding these interventions. This study investigated women's experiences of the episiotomy consent process in Iran. Methods This qualitative study gathered data from 20 women through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected from hospitals, health centers and gynecology clinics in Tehran. Content analysis was used to establish themes from the gathered data. Results The participants' experiences showed that they felt that their needs were not met and that they were excluded from decision making regarding their birth. Conclusions Women were excluded from decision making and their unmet needs presented ethical challenges in the performance of episiotomy procedures. Neglecting women's expectations, inducing absolute trust in obstetricians or midwives and failing to obtain informed consent paved the way for forced episiotomies. Proper education and obtaining informed and voluntary consent may facilitate women's rights being respected.

Embassy of Prince Kozlovsky and Clerk Ivan Zinoviev

On the basis of the materials of stateinyi spisok/list of files written by ambassadors Prince S. I. Kozlovsky and by clerk (diak) I. Zinoviev, the article details the history of their diplomatic trip to the Safavid state, in the context of both the realities of Russian-Iranian relations of the time and contemporary internal and foreign political processes in Iran. The source contains unique information: about the cities and towns of Iran, about the capital of the state — Isfahan, about the court of Shah ‘Abbas II, about his nearest circle, about the peculiarities of his life and his dignitaries, about the difficulties of controlling the frontier (the North Caucasus). Since the list of files itself is a kind of report, it duplicates the provisions of the tsar’s order issued to the ambassadors for their mission. A comparison of the data enables to determine the relative success of the embassy. Most of the points of the order were hypothetical in nature. Their implementation was supposed to be due to the initiative of the Iranian side, which did not happen in reality. Among the significant aspects addressed during the negotiations, which involved several rounds, were: the purchase of saltpeter for the sovereign’s treasury, the fate of Russian prisoners, and so on. The materials of the list also reveal secret agents’ activities of the ambassadors, who managed to acquire copies of the actual foreign diplomatic correspondence of Shah ‘Abbas II, previously not known in the Russian historiography.

Exploring the experience of developing COVID-19 vaccines in Iran.

Widespread public vaccination is one of the effective mechanisms to ensure the health and prevent deaths in societies. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is a stark instance in this regard. Vaccine development is a complex process requiring firm-level capabilities, various infrastructures, long-term planning, and stable and efficient policies. Due to the global demand for vaccines during the pandemic, the national capability to produce vaccines is critical. To this end, the current paper investigates influential factors, at the firm- and policy-level, in the COVID-19 vaccine development process in Iran. By adopting a qualitative research method and conducting 17 semi-structured interviews and analyzing policy documents, news, and reports, we extracted internal and external factors affecting the success and failure of a vaccine development project. We also discuss the characteristics of the vaccine ecosystem and the gradual maturity of policies. This paper draws lessons for vaccine development in developing countries at both firm and policy levels.

Developing a framework for the participation of nursing managers in the health policy-making process in Iran: A Delphi study.

The aim of this study was to develop a framework for nursing managers to participate in the health policy-making process. Nursing managers must be involved in the health policy process to provide appropriate health services, focus on nursing professional excellence, and improve the performance of the health system. This multimethod research was based on the Delphi study and experts' panel. Faculty members of the nursing, health policy, health services management, and nursing managers working at hospitals were selected via purposive sampling. The data collection tool was a demographic form and an open-ended questionnaire in the first round and a structured questionnaire in the next round. In the two rounds of Delphi, experts discussed and rated items of nursing managers' participation framework in the health policy-making process. At the expert panel session, the framework was finalized with a 12-part checklist. The data were analysed quantitatively using SPSS software version 22. A total of 28 items were entered into the Delphi study. Experts who met the inclusion criteria responded to rounds 1 (n= 20) and 2 (n= 16). Following the two rounds of the Delphi study, 27 items were selected and discussed by experts using a 12-part checklist related to the framework. The final participation framework was divided into five sections: Barriers, facilitators, advantages, disadvantages, and factors affecting the participation of nursing managers in the health policy-making process. In our findings, the relationship between the components of the framework and policy cycle was shown, which should be considered to lay the groundwork for participation. This can lead to health promotion, accountability, and financial participation in the health system, which can improve the proactive involvement of nursing managers in the health policy-making process. The proposed framework can be utilized across the spectrum of nursing, including practice, leadership, and education to enhance the participation of nursing managers in health policy activity.

Development of an Accreditation System for Evaluating Biomedical Scientific Associations Through a Participatory Process in Iran.

Background: Accreditation is used to monitor, guide, examine, and assure the quality of higher education. There is no formal evaluation system to ensure the quality and quantity of scientific associations’ activities. So this study aimed to develop and implement a national accreditation system to be applied for biomedical scientific associations through a participatory process among stakeholders. Methods: Consensus development techniques, i.e., focus group and Delphi methods, were used to design the accreditation system. An expert committee, set up at the recognized accreditation body, devised the accreditation structure, procedure, and permit rules using the focus group technique. Then, we prepared the standards draft which was further modified in an expert panel in focus group sessions and finalized among the stakeholders through the Delphi technique. Finally, the procedure was performed for 66 associations. Results: The accreditation structure, procedure, and standards were determined and legitimized. Standards included 20 ones in four domains of educational activities (3 standards), research affairs (2 standards), cross-sector collaborations (2 standards), and organization and equipment (13 standards). Among 66 associations, 16 and 12 were approved and conditionally approved respectively. Conclusion: In spite of associations’ influential academic and social activities, no study was found in regards to their accreditation. Standards devised in this research can be employed by scientific associations for developing their plans and enhancing their performance. This experience can be adopted for accrediting not only scientific associations but also any other academic institutions, especially non-student training ones.

Identifying and Categorizing the Pathological Factors of Industrial Development Policy Process in Iran (1991-2018)

Identifying and Categorizing the Pathological Factors of Industrial Development Policy Process in Iran (1991-2018)

Cardiovascular diseases preventive policy‐making process in Iran: A framework‐based policy analysis

AbstractStrengthening countries' policies to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) relies on their policymaking processes. This study aimed to create a deep understanding of these processes through evaluating preventive and control policies of CVD in Iran, using Walt and Gilson's policy analysis triangle framework to analyze the policymaking process qualitatively. Data were collected using various methods such as reviewing international and national documents and interviewing experts; the framework analysis method was used to analyze the data. Findings were reported in four dimensions of the policy analysis triangle, including content, context, process, and actors. Various social, economic, environmental, and political factors affect the policy's development. Prevention plans emphasize inter‐ and intrasectorial collaborations and require community‐based interventions. Achieving universal health coverage and global attention to the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has put CVD prevention on the agenda in Iran. In addition, the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of NCDs has been compiled with the participation of all ministries. An Iranian Non‐Communicable Diseases Committee has also been established, reflecting the national effort to control CVD. Although Iran has taken important steps to control and prevent CVD, the incidence of CVD is still increasing. Comprehensive action plans should be implemented with extensive intrasectorial cooperation and a clear framework to achieve the desired goals.

Examining active aging among Iranian provinces: a TOPSIS analysis

BackgroundPlanning and decision-making for the elderly requires a special attention due to the beginning of aging process in Iran. By emphasizing the concept of active aging, determining the status of the elderly like their ability to continue work over time, to attain income and to participate in social and political life is significant. Active aging uses the indicators measuring the non-used potential of the elderly for having an active and healthy aging. This study aimed to determine the level of active aging among the provinces of Iran in 2018 by considering 11 indicators related to elderly’s health, well-being and socioeconomic participation.MethodsThe raw data were obtained from Statistical Center of Iran. After establishing the indicators based on the Global Age Watch approach, the provinces were ranked by the TOPSIS method in terms of aging status.ResultsThe results indicated that only Tehran and Alborz had the highest development level of active aging while 16% of the provinces had a semi-developed status and 77% failed at experiencing a satisfactory welfare, economic and social status.ConclusionsFour indicators had the highest importance included the percentage of the elderly with a diploma and academic degree, the percentage of the elderly with lower incomes than the median income, the median income of the elderly to the median income of the other people in society, and life expectancy among the 65-year old men. Studying the indicators deeply can result in the appropriate planning for each area in line with the improvement of the elderly status.

Strategies of relief organizations for improvement of disaster risk communication process in Iran

The frequency and severity of disaster occurrence and emergency situations, and the importance of disaster risk communication of relief organizations to increase the readiness of societies in the case of disaster are increasing around the world. This study aimed to identify relief organizations' strategies to improve disaster risk communication in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted with the participation of 25 managers, relief workers, and people who had experiences in response to one of the disasters. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis.The analysis of the data of this study led to the identification of 3 categories and 9 sub-categories regarding strategies of relief organizations to improve risk communication. These categories are 1) management of information and educational communication 2) management of communication barriers, and 3) Inter-organizational communication management.Relief organizations use different strategies to improve disaster risk communication, and communication barrier management is vital for improving organizations' communication with people. Developing risk communication improvement strategies can help planners and managers design and implement effective risk management programs.

Digitalization Processes in Iran during the Period of Sanctions

A set of unilateral sanctions against Iran had a negative impact on the economy of the Islamic Republic. Although restrictions harmed purchasing power of the population as well as IT-related businesses, the digital sector by relying on domestically designed systems showed resistance to ‘sanctions shocks’. World rankings place Tehran among the top 100 countries across various indicators of digital development. Global review indicates that the percent of population with Internet access in Iran has significantly increased recently, which corresponds to trends in some countries of the region. According to the national data, the Islamic Republic has achieved considerable results in expanding the network of broadband subscribers both in cities and rural area. Iranian electronic commerce is on the rise. There is a hike in the e-commerce sales nominal value and the number of online orders. Nowadays Tehran puts emphasis on enhancing multilateral cooperation within regional and inter-regional groupings that have their own digital agenda in line with the times. In particular, it is about the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the BRICS and the ‘Caspian five’. Intensifying such contacts could lead to adoption of new digital solutions inside the Islamic Republic. Specific elements of digitalization are reflected in national medium-term development plans. The Government considers digital transformation as a promising opportunity to generate economic growth. Serious effort is underway to improve e-government services and also manage a transition to a special ‘single-window’ gateway. Implementation of digital technologies in Iran has covered, inter alia, education, healthcare, housing and utility services, regulation of business activity.

Исламская революция и женский вопрос в Иране в аспекте социальной коммуникации

Nowadays the problems of socio-cultural communication covers the gender issue and changes in the role of women in society in particular. Traditionally, the women status in Muslim countries is most vulnerable. Despite this fact, there has emerged such a socio-cultural phenomenon as Islamic feminism in the Middle East.
 Islamic Revolution was the first time when Iranian women had declared themselves as a social and political force. Imam R. Khomeini used their social activity for his own political purposes. Despite the promises of the revolution leader, first actions of the new government differed from those the citizens expected: most of the rights and freedoms were restricted or eliminated. Iran is currently ranked 148th out of 153 countries on the gender gap index, overtaking only the countries with difficult internal political and economic situation, such as the DRC, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq and Yemen. The article analyzes the changes in the Iranian women status that have occurred in the following areas: civil status, education and science, economic activity, politics, art and sports. The positive measures taken in these spheres indicate that the society is undergoing a process of reconsidering the role of women, and the development of the women empowerment process in Iran will progress.