Farideh Mohammadi - Department of Health Service Administration, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Department of Hospital Management, Iranian Social Security Organization, Tehran, Iran
Iravan Masoudi Asl - Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Soad Mahfoozpour - Department of Health Service Administration, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Somayeh Hessam - Department of Health Service Administration, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Background: Hospitals are considered the most important consumer units in the health system. Based on the effect of the hospital network in optimal and efficient hospital management, this study aimed to identify and explain the role of factors influencing hospital network management in the Iranian Social Security Organization (ISSO). Methods: This study was conducted by a mixed method in ۲۰۱۸. First, variables and factors affecting the management of hospital networks were extracted from the literature review and through interviews with ۱۵ experts, and a questionnaire with ۴۰ questions was developed. Then, it was distributed among ۴۴۸ experts in the healthcare section of the ISSO all over the country, and ۴۰۵ questionnaires were completed and collected. Data were analyzed via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations using SPSS۲۳ software and AMOS۲۴ software. The validity of the questionnaire was determined via expert judgment (CVRs = ۰.۴۰) and reliability was estimated by Cronbachchr('۳۹')s alpha coefficient (α = ۰.۸۷). Results: Based on the confirmatory factor analysis, financing, monitoring and evaluation, accountability, strategic planning, and decision rights were identified as key factors affecting hospital network management. Financing with standard coefficients of ۰.۸۳ had the highest and decision rights with standard coefficients of ۰.۴۴ had the lowest effect on hospital network management of the ISSO. Conclusion: To efficient hospital network management of the ISSO, while emphasizing all identified factors, special attention should be paid to financing and modifying the method of budgeting and using suitable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Hospital network, Management, Health system