Hamideh Moosapour, Farzaneh Saeidi Fard, Bagher Larijani, Akbar Soltani,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (3-2017)
Abstract
Research, as systematic way to discover, interpret, explain, predict, modify, and control events, entails the knowledge-based performance of individuals, organizations and systems. Today, knowledge is a tool for development, entrepreneurship, and improving economic value added rather than be a product of development. Also, Health systems, with their increasing complexity and scope, are causes and especially effects of an increasing rate of production, translation and implementation of health-related knowledge. This knowledge, with complexity, vast range, and variety, is produced by variety of research projects which mainly resulted from different problems addressed and presumed epistemic positions by them.
Authors believe that a comprehensive outlook on the variety of research projects in the health system could help to change the stereotypical view on research in the health system. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is a novel, narrative review gathering and presenting various existing classifications of research projects in the light of an inductive distinction. It aims to help specialists in the different levels of health system to profoundly understand and meticulously apply research results and to help researchers and research bodies to more accurately define, manage, prioritize, and allocate resources for future research projects to solve upcoming problems.
Different aspects used in this paper to classify health research projects are the followings: The purpose of research, the research paradigms, tacit or explicit knowledge, primary or secondary knowledge, relation with known disciplines, functions of the health system, the partnerships of non-academic persons, decision-making level, taxonomy of questions, and levels of evidence.
Ozra Tabatabaei-Malazy, Yosra Azizpour, Narges Rostamigooran, Maryam Ghiasipour, Mohammad Esmaeel Motlagh, Shadi Naderyan Feˈli, Samaneh Akbarpour, Haniye Sadat Sajadi,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background: National Document for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Related Risk Factors, developed in 2015, serves as Iran’s roadmap for guiding health policies to manage NCDs. After a decade, assessing its implementation and progress is essential. We aimed to review and synthesize existing evidence on the implementation status of the document’s interventions, and identify facilitators, barriers, and strategies to enhance its execution.
Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR 2020 checklist, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID databases, Google Scholar, organizational repositories, and reference lists of related studies in Persian and English. Research or review studies that evaluated at least one objective or intervention of the national document—using health or health system indicators in Iran—were included. Three researchers independently performed screening and data extraction. Data were analyzed narratively and organized into thematic categories.
Results: Overall, 78 studies, reports, and national documents were included. Implemented actions encompassed establishing committees, developing action plans, integrating services into the health system, revising standards, producing educational materials, launching registries, and signing multisectoral cooperation agreements. Facilitators included legal support, intersectoral collaboration capacities, service delivery structures, and community capabilities. Major challenges were deficiencies in the national document, limited resources, weak coordination, and external disruptions such as COVID-19 and sanctions. Recommended strategies emphasized strengthening cost-effective interventions, continuous monitoring, securing sustainable resources, improving service delivery models, and enhancing multi-sectoral approaches.
Conclusion: Successful implementation of NCD prevention and control policies requires evidence-informed policymaking, prioritization of cost-effective interventions, ongoing evaluation, and sustained managerial support.
