Patients' Perspectives Regarding Implementation of Health System Transformation Plan in the East Azerbaijan Province Hospitals

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate patients' views regarding implementation of the Health System Transformation Plan (HSTP) and its challenges. Material and Methods: This descriptive, quantitative and qualitative study was carried out at two different points of time (June and December 2014) in all hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health in the of East Azerbaijan province in Iran. A researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of open and closed questions was used for data collection. Validity of the questionnaire was reviewed and confirmed by health management experts and its reliability was confirmed based on Cronbach's alpha index (α=0.87). Questionnaires were completed through interview with 2081 patients. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The results showed that 79% of people had been aware of the HSTP and 57% of them had been informed through national broadcasting. Referral to laboratories, radiology and pharmacy outside the hospital in both phases of the study was less than 10%. Also, decreasing patients' costs indicated as the most important effect of HSTP and lack of basic amenities and medical equipment and absence of medical profession on the patient's bedside were considered as the most important challenges of HSTP. Satisfaction from the medical staff was reported as the reason of patient satisfaction and the patients' expectation is the continuity of HSTP. Conclusion: Based on the study results, a great part of patients was satisfied with the HSTP, however; the authorities must pay more attention to improve timely access to physician and basic amenities.