Challenges in Evaluating Clinical Governance Systems in Iran: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND In spite of the pivotal role of clinical governance in enhancing quality of services provided by hospitals across the country, a scientific framework with specific criteria for evaluating hospitals has not been developed so far. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted with the aim to identify the challenges involved in evaluating systems of clinical governance in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the purposes of this qualitative study, 15 semi-structured interviews with experts in the field were conducted in 2011 and the data were analyzed using framework analysis method. RESULTS Five major challenges in evaluating clinical governance include managing human resources, improving clinical quality, managing development, organizing clinical governance, and providing patient-oriented healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare system in Iran requires a clinical governance program which has a patient-oriented approach in philosophy, operation, and effectiveness in order to meet the challenges ahead.