Researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences Report Findings in Health Insurance (Diffusion of advanced medical imaging technology, CT, and MRI scanners, in Iran: A qualitative study of determinants)

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- Current study results on Health Insurance have been published. According to news reporting originating in Tehran, Iran, by NewsRx journalists, research stated, "Low-income and middle-income countries have a lot of problems in providing the financial, human, and capital resources for advanced medical imaging technologies (AMITs). Proper distribution of such expensive equipment might increase access to these services and enhance the quality and efficiency of health care."

Financial support for this research came from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (see also Health Insurance).

The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, "The present study aimed to identify the factors affecting the diffusion of AMITs including CT and MRI in Iran. This is a qualitative research conducted in 2017. A number of purposively chosen policy makers and managers from Ministry of Health, medical universities, hospitals, health insurance, and vendor companies were approached for face-to-face and semistructured interviews. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis method. Three categories of influential factors were identified, including contextual, stakeholder related, and situational factors. With regards to the stakeholders, the ministry and physicians played the most important role in the diffusion process of the AMITs. Health insurance organizations and vendor companies played a minor role in distribution of the equipment. Application of political pressure by the authorities on the Ministry of Health to issue licenses for the acquisition of AMITs was taken as the most important factor and the greatest challenge in the diffusion of devices. The results sought to assist health system authorities to manage diffusion of AMITs effectively and assign an equitable access to the expensive resources. The diffusion management together with utilization management could largely improve efficiency and cost containment."

According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "Medical technology diffusion management de facto needs policy instruments in both supply and demand sides."

For more information on this research see: Diffusion of advanced medical imaging technology, CT, and MRI scanners, in Iran: A qualitative study of determinants. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 2018;():.

Our news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained by contacting Z. Abedini, Dept. of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Additional authors for this research include A.A. Sari, A.R. Foroushani and E. Jaafaripooyan.

The direct object identifier (DOI) for that additional information is: https://doi.org/10.1002/hpm.2657. This DOI is a link to an online electronic document that is either free or for purchase, and can be your direct source for a journal article and its citation.

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