Dataset Information

A policy analysis of the national phenylketonuria screening program in Iran.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a public health measure taken to diagnose and treat the patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological disorders in them. The present study was aimed at analyzing the policies of the national PKU screening (NaPS) program in Iran.

Methods

PKU screening program policies were analyzed in compliance with the policy triangle model. Document review and 38 semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Document review data were analyzed using content analysis, and interview data were analyzed using framework analysis.

Results

The national PKU screening (NaPS) program was a decision made at the genetics department of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in Iran. Many internal and external stakeholders were involved in it and valid evidence was used to formulate the policies. Despite some opposition and insufficient support, the program was implemented due to the continuous persistence of parents, interested executives, formulated valid content and a top-down approach. The main barriers included rapid substitution of managers, shortage of Phe-free milk, little awareness of patients' families, social stigma, and inadequate co-operation of some hospital administrators.

Conclusions

The policy triangle framework contributed to explaining the different components of the PKU screening program. A successful PKU screening program requires more stability of senior managers in MOHME, enough human resources and Phe-free milk, educating patients' families, and commitment of hospitals administrators. Meanwhile, all the stakeholders need to be involved in the program effectively.

SUBMITTER: Heidari A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7863318 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A policy analysis of the national phenylketonuria screening program in Iran.

Heidari Alireza A Arab Mohammad M Damari Behzad B

BMC health services research 20210205 1

<h4>Background</h4>Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a public health measure taken to diagnose and treat the patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological disorders in them. The present study was aimed at analyzing the policies of the national PKU screening (NaPS) program in Iran.<h4>Methods</h4>PKU screening program policies were analyzed in compliance with the policy triangle model. Document review and 38 semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Document review data were a ...[more]

PMID: 33546689

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Dataset Information

A policy analysis of the national phenylketonuria screening program in Iran.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A policy analysis of the national phenylketonuria screening program in Iran.

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