Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences
2 Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences
3 Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
4 Trauma and Injury Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The performance of the emergency department (ED) as one of the main parts of
hospitals, have a great impact on the performance of the whole‑hospital. In Iran, the official education
program of this discipline was started in 2001 and has expanded in most medical universities. Given
the unprecedentedness of emergency medicine (EM), there are limited studies about this specialty.
Thus, this study aims to explore the status, role, and performance of Iranian EM specialists.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis of 19
semi‑structured interviews with EM specialists and key informant. Purposive sampling was conducted,
and some teaching and nonstate hospitals in different geographic regions of Tehran city were selected.
Conducting interviews continued until reaching the data saturation. Thematic analysis was employed.
Extracted themes were reviewed and confirmed by some of the participants.
RESULTS: The study results were categorized within five main themes; included the role of ED
from EM specialists’ viewpoint, EM specialists’ viewpoint on their discipline, performance of EM
specialists (including medical, managerial, and economic performance), and role of EM specialists
in patient satisfaction; and opportunities and challenges of EM specialists.
CONCLUSION: Overall, the study findings highlighted the effectiveness and positive medical,
managerial and economic impacts of EM in Iran, inside and beyond hospitals. However, the
study addressed significant opportunities some solvable challenges in educational, professional
and economic domains, and interdisciplinary relationships. Further studies are recommended for
comprehensive exploring viewpoint of other disciplines and stakeholders.
Keywords
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