ArticleBMC health services research2025
Mapping the path to reform: a qualitative study of stakeholder expectations for managerial assessment centers in Iran's health system.
Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundThe efficiency of the Assessment Centers as the tools of measuring the managerial competencies requires the constant monitoring and the perpetual improvement. In the system of health in Iran, where the structural and cultural peculiarities are unique, there is an Assessment Center, though its development is necessary. Earlier studies concentrated on operational issues but overlooked an important antecedent of the reform meaningfulness, namely getting the foundational expectations of key individuals. This paper attempted to address this gap by working into those expectations to inform the optimization of the managerial Assessment Center.
methodsQualitative research based on inductive content analysis was executed in 2024. Purposive and snowball sampling was done to conduct 29 semi-structured interviews with Iranian health system managers, policy experts, and psychologists. The initial symptoms were coded to obtain themes and analyzed manually, using the help of the MAXQDA 2018 software. Member checking and peer debriefing had been used to ensure trustworthiness.
resultsAnalysis revealed a multi-layered framework of expectations, synthesized into three primary themes. First, stakeholders expect robust policy-level foundations, including a more independent structure, a localized competency model, and the use of the center as a lever to institutionalize meritocracy. Second, regarding core elements, expectations emphasized the need for a more comprehensive competency set, validated assessment tools, and highly qualified assessors. Third, for the implementation phase, participants highlighted the necessity of a more transparent process and stronger executive oversight.
conclusionsThe findings indicate that stakeholders view the assessment center as an institution that is deeply integrated into the structure of the Iranian health system. The success of the reforms depends on adaptation to local conditions, scientific and ethical rigor, and support from senior leadership. This study provides a roadmap for policymakers to make decisions to preserve the center and shows that stakeholder engagement is critical to creating a relevant and effective institution.
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