Integrating Palliative Care in the Primary Health Care Network of Iran

Introduction: The provision of palliative end-of-life care (P/EOLc) for patients, wherever they live, is an increasingly important service, particularly given the increasing rates of cancer and other life-threatening diseases in Iran. However, unfortunately, those living in the rural areas of Iran are greatly disadvantaged with respect to this type of care. Therefore, the present study explored the feasibility of organizing P/EOLc in the rural areas of Iran.Material and Methods: In this qualitative study, two focus group (FG) discussions were held in Tabriz (Iran) with rural family physicians (FPs, n=۲۳) and key P/EOLc stakeholders (n=۱۳). The FG sessions were recorded, transcribed, and the transcriptions checked by participants before the data were subjected to content analysis.Results: While most FPs indicated that they did not have sufficient involvement in providing P/EOLc, they emphasized the necessity of providing P/EOLc through four main themes and ۲۵ subthemes. The four main themes were labeled as “structures and procedures,” “health care provider teams,” “obstacles,” and “strategies or solutions.” Furthermore, according to the main themes and subthemes identified here, the key stakeholders believed that the Iranian health system and the FPs’ team as well as community participation approach have the potential to provide P/EOLc services in rural areas.Conclusion: The most feasible strategy for providing P/EOLc in Iranian rural areas would be integrating palliative care in the primary Health Care network

Keywords:

palliative end-of-life care , rural areas , community participation approach.