Iranian Hospital Accreditation Faces Systemic Barriers

A qualitative study published in BMC Health Services Research identifies significant systemic obstacles to the implementation of international hospital accreditation in Iran. The research, conducted in 2024, highlights that hospitals in the country face major financial, workforce, and regulatory barriers that complicate compliance with global quality and safety standards. Given the limited existing evidence in this specific area, the study aims to better understand the challenges and potential strategic solutions related to implementing international accreditation in the Iranian context.

The study was designed as an exploratory qualitative investigation to identify key challenges and strategic solutions for implementing international hospital accreditation in Iran. The research team conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 40 key stakeholders involved in the hospital accreditation process. These participants included policymakers, hospital managers, accreditation experts, and clinical staff.

Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. The interview transcripts were then analyzed using inductive conventional qualitative content analysis. Coding and data management were facilitated by MAXQDA 2020.

The analysis identified 38 key challenges to international hospital accreditation in Iran. These challenges were classified into five main categories: governance, resources and capacity, health information infrastructure, organizational culture, and stakeholder engagement.

In parallel with the identification of challenges, the study documented 36 participant-derived strategic solutions. These solutions were organized into five main categories: governance reform, financing and capacity building, organizational empowerment, learning culture and leadership, and partnerships and accountability. Stakeholders proposed context-sensitive strategies involving governance reform, workforce development, digital transformation, organizational learning, and collaboration.

The study concludes that the challenges to international hospital accreditation in Iran are systemic and contextual. Key issues include fragmented governance, resource constraints, weak digital interoperability, and hierarchical organizational cultures. The proposed strategies involve governance reform, workforce development, digital transformation, organizational learning, and collaboration.

Subject of Research: Challenges and strategic solutions for international hospital accreditation in Iran

Article Title: International accreditation of hospitals in Iran: a qualitative study of challenges and strategic solutions

Article References: Hashjin, A. A., Tahmasebi, A., Hadian, M., Beyranvand, T., Malboobi, J., & Farrokhi, P. (2026). International accreditation of hospitals in Iran: a qualitative study of challenges and strategic solutions. BMC Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-16026-4

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12913-026-16026-4

Keywords: hospital accreditation, Iran, healthcare quality, qualitative study, health policy, health services research, organizational culture, governance, resource constraints, digital interoperability, International, accreditation