Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39984955›Full record

ArticleHealth research policy and systems2025

A mixed-methods model for healthcare system responsiveness to public health: insights from Iranian experts.

Hooman Khanpoor, Ahad Alizadeh, Omid Khosravizadeh, Mohammad Amerzadeh, Sima Rafiei

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Health research policy and systems, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Hooman KhanpoorStudent Research Committee, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Ahad AlizadehSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Omid KhosravizadehSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Mohammad AmerzadehSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Sima RafieiSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. sima.rafie@gmail.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundResponsiveness is a critical dimension of public health, focussing on how health systems address the needs, preferences and expectations of the population. It plays a central role in improving and maintaining the population's health by ensuring timely, equitable and patient-centred healthcare services.

objectiveIn this study, we developed a mixed-methods model to assess healthcare system responsiveness from a public health perspective, integrating the insights of Iranian experts. The model identifies key factors such as intersectoral collaboration, health equity and community partnerships, which are essential for enhancing system responsiveness and ultimately improving health outcomes.

methodIn this study, conducted in 2024, we developed a mixed-methods model for assessing healthcare system responsiveness from a public health perspective, integrating the insights of Iranian experts. R software version 3.2.4 and the lavaan package were used for statistical analysis, considering the significance level of 0.05.

resultsOn the basis of the literature review, the main components of health systems' responsiveness in the public health domain were extracted. The qualitative content analysis induced three different themes that affect health, which included payment mechanism (two subcategories of budget and incentive system), social determinants of health (three subcategories of intersectoral collaboration, community partnership and equity in health) and quality (three subcategories of timely provision of healthcare services, need-based service delivery and continuity of care). Finally, using structural equation modelling (SEM), a system of variables with causal relationships was developed. We found a statistically significant direct effect on intersectoral collaboration, health equity, payment mechanisms, timely delivery of services and need-based service provision. The strongest association was found for the payment system (β = 1.023, P ≤ 0.05). Model fit indices showed adequate fit.

conclusionsOur developed model underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare system responsiveness, particularly focussing on public health services as foundational strategies for achieving universal health coverage. The results of our study revealed that a well-structured payment system and incentive mechanisms are critical for motivating healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, timely and need-based services, ensuring sustainability in care provision. Beyond financial incentives, our model highlights the importance of health equity, intersectoral collaboration and community partnerships, which were identified as key drivers of responsiveness in healthcare systems. The findings indicate that fostering these elements not only strengthens healthcare delivery, but also supports the adaptation of services to meet diverse population needs effectively. In addition, the study emphasizes the innovative role of intersectoral collaboration in enhancing primary healthcare, which requires commitment across healthcare and non-health sectors. Our model introduces the concept of integrating community participation and resource allocation strategies into the healthcare system, thereby enhancing responsiveness. These strategies are anticipated to improve key health outcomes, such as life expectancy and maternal and child health indicators, by establishing robust healthcare networks that are more attuned to the health needs of the population.

Indexed as

Delivery of Health CareHealth EquityPublic HealthHumansIntersectoral CollaborationIranQualitative ResearchSocial Determinants of HealthAccessEvaluationHealthcare qualityHealth services accessibilityHealth systemsPublic health

Identifiers

PMID39984955
PMCPMC11844089

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.