Analysis and Evolution of Health Policies in Iran Through Policy Triangle Framework During the Last Thirty Years: A Systematic Review of the Historical Period From 1994 to 2021 Publisher Pubmed



Doshmangir L¹ ; Behzadifar M² ; Shahverdi A² ; Martini M³ ; Ehsanzadeh SJ⁴ ; Azari S⁵ ; Bakhtiari A⁶ ; Shahabi S⁷ ; Bragazzi NL⁸ ; Behzadifar M²
Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene Published:2023

Abstract

Background. Health policy analysis as a multi‑disciplinary approach to public policy illustrates the need for interventions that highlight and address important policy issues, improve the policy formulation and implementation process and lead to better health outcomes. Various theories and frameworks have been contributed as the foundation for the analysis of policy in various studies. This study aimed to analyze health policies during the historical period of the almost last 30 years in Iran using policy triangle framework. Method. To conduct the systematic review international data‑ bases (PubMed / Medline, Scopus, Web of Sciences, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, the Cochran Library) and Iranian databases from January 1994 to January 2021 using relevant keywords. A thematic qualitative analysis approach was used for the synthesis and analysis of data. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for Qualitative Studies Checklist (CASP) was conducted. Results. Out of 731 articles, 25 articles were selected and ana‑ lyzed. Studies used health policy triangle framework to analyze policies in the Iranian health sector has been published since 2014. All the included studies were retrospective. The main focus of most of studies for the analysis was on the context and process of polices as the elements of the policy triangle. Conclusion. The main focus of health policy analysis studies in Iran over the last thirty years was on the context and process of polices. Although range of actors within and outside the Iran gov‑ ernment influence health policies but in many policy processes the power and the role of all actors or players involved in the policy are not recognized carefully. Also, Iran’s health sector suffers from lack of a proper framework for evaluating various imple‑ mented policies. © Copyright by Pacini Editore Srl, Pisa, Italy.