Identifying and Categorizing the Dimensions of Iran's Health System Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background and Aim: Coinciding with the onset of Covid-19, known as Corona in Iran, there have been many scattered reactions from the Iranian health system to the management of the disease. The aim of this study is to identify and categorize the dimensions of the Iranian health system response in order to identify points that have been overlooked and ignored. The results of this study can be used as a primary framework for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of epidemic management in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out by content analysis of documents related to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. First, by reviewing the electronic resources, all existing documents, protocols and guidelines related to the management of corona disease in Iran were identified. All national media files, including audio, text, and video related to Covid-19, were collected over the period from 18 February 2020 to 27 March 2020, by searching the Internet & University of Medical Sciences and the Ministry of Health websites. Four JUPP criteria were used to select the documents, and finally 82 documents were selected after multi-stage screening. Document information was coded and analyzed with MAXQDA2018.2 software. Results: The response of the Iranian health system to addressing the Covid-19 pandemic is in seven main areas of hygiene, treatment, education, logistic, crisis management, research management and the management of communication & information which has been identified and recorded in 46 sub-areas. Conclusion: In the area of crisis management, the issue of contact tracing and control on the chain of disease transmission is still neglected. There are also no comprehensive guidelines for reducing or stopping social contacts and limiting population mobility within urban areas. It is also suggested that comprehensive instructions be developed to monitor the performance of the corona epidemic crisis management in the country.