Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
2 Department of Health Information Technology, Boo-Ali Social Security Hospital, Neka, Mazandaran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Following the induced demand, a large amount of resources are allocated to the pharmaceutical sector. The increase in induced demand for medicine can affect the performance of the health system and impose a large financial burden on individuals and society. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to identify effective strategies in management of medicine-induced demand in Iran.
Method: The present research is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach, which was conducted in several stages. In the first step, a systematic review was conducted, then semi-structured interview questions were prepared based on the literature review and using the experiences of several experts. After the implementation of the interviews, MAXQDA version 18 software was used for data analysis in order to extract themes, categories and subcategories.
Results: Based on the literature review, a total of 30 articles were identified that aligned with the research objectives. Strategies extracted through interviews to manage the induced demand for medicine in Iran classified in 3 themes, 7 categories and 20 sub-categories. The extracted themes included planning, Organizational- structural strategies and Economic factors. Categories included Culture of society, medicinal literacy of society, method of service delivery, regulatory mechanisms, political mechanisms, payment system and Insurance. Monitoring the performance of physicians, Appling insurance restrictions, Restrictions on advertising and marketing and Change of people's attitude were some important factors in induced demand for medicine.
Conclusion: In this study, strategies were proposed for the management of induced demand for medicine in Iran. These strategies can be used to improve the efficient management and control the costs of health system, and finally increase the quality of health care services to patients.
Key words: Induced demand, medicine, management, qualitative research
Keywords
)