Designing an Operational Planning Model for Level-one Iranian Primary Health Care Systems

This research was performed in 2008 in order to design an operational planning model for Iranian primary health care systems at level one.

In this applied study, which was done in a descriptive and cross-sectional manner, some countries and international organizations which had comprehensive planning systems and some local organizations were studied. The required data from the selected countries were collected through data collection forms, and for local organizations, the data were collected through interview, and the initial model was presented accordingly. The model was tested via Delphi technique and taking the authorities’ views into account, the required changes were made and the ultimate model was prepared.

All the studied overseas and indigenous organizations had programming systems. However, none of the level-one Iranian primary health care units had a coherent planning system, and they did not follow any specific models. Since 2008, the model of operational planning has also been utilized by Iranian Ministry of Health, Care and Medical Education at headquarters levels; however, there was no model at lower levels especially in rural and urban health care centers. In all selected countries, the model of programs included title, objectives or expected results, schedule, activities, budget system and evaluation and monitoring indexes. Though these parts existed in the common models in Iran, no scientific basis could be observed in compiling the operational programs. The mechanism of designing the initial suggested operational planning had eight stages, but after three stages of reviewing by authorities, seven stages were ratified.

Utilizing the suggested operational planning model can enhance the level-one performance indicators of health care networks in Iran.