Pediatric Palliative Care in Iran: Applying Regionalization of Health Care Systems Publisher Pubmed



Mojen LK¹ ; Rassouli M¹ ; Eshghi P² ; Zendedel K³ ; Sari AA⁴ ; Karimooi MH⁵ ; Tahmasebi M³ ; Farahani ASA¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention Published:2018

Abstract

Background: Establishing palliative care services is a priority in the health system of Iran. Considering the necessity of integrating these services into the health system, this study aimed to explore the stakeholders' perceptions about the provision of a conceptual framework for palliative care services for children with cancer according to the health system in of Iran. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews held with 29 participants including palliative care specialists, policy-makers, health care providers, the parents of children with cancer selected through purposive sampling, between August 2016 and February 2017. Interviews continued until saturation of data. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using MAXQDA10 software. Results: The codes extracted from interviews produced the main theme classes of palliative care services with the two main categories comprehensive care including, strengthening family shelter, maintaining the child in a familiar environment, achieving stability and establishing social justice including, easy access to services, financial relief and quality care. Conclusion: Presenting a framework based on level of palliative care services, the findings of this study paves the way for integrating these services into Iranian health system. © 2018 Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention.