Opportunities and challenges against cross border supply of health services in Iranian health sector: a qualitative approach

Recognition of positive and negative outcomes of globalization in different areas of telemedicine is one of all countries` priorities. This study was conducted to investigate the most significant opportunities and challenges of telemedicine in Iranian setting from the experts’ points of view. This was a qualitative research, applying structure and thematic analysis on a goal- oriented sample of 22 key informants in private and public health sector. Deep and semi-structured interviews were used until achieving saturation. Data were analyzed applying a 5-step process of framework analysis to extract main themes. Results lead to present 12 main themes in challenges part including exit of money, high cost of telemedicine, un suitable structure of telemedicine, restricted electronic financing network, lack of patient laws, inter sector cooperation, lack of insurance system and 6 main themes about opportunities containing absorbing incomes, increase of employment and quality improvement of internal health services,... It seems that the revenue increment driving from telemedicine can be used for developing health infrastructures especially for the poor. It is along with improving quality of health services providing for foreigners in those successful countries in telemedicine scope that may lead to absorb the large number of sick persons applying their health services.