scholarly journals Recommendations to improve insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran: A multi-criteria decision making approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Shahabi ◽  
Seyed Taghi Heydari ◽  
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani ◽  
Leila Zarei
Keyword(s):  
Population Aging ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Goods And Services

Abstract Background: High toll of traffic-related injuries, climate change, natural disasters, population aging, as well as chronic diseases have all made considerable demands on receiving physiotherapy services in Iran. Nevertheless, there is an assortment of complications facing utilization of such services, particularly poor insurance coverage. Therefore, the present study investigated and prioritized potential policy recommendations to improve insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran.Methods: This project was carried out in Iran, using a mix-methods (viz. qualitative-quantitative) approach. Within the first phase, a qualitative study was completed to find policy recommendations. Such recommendations were then prioritized through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), in the second phase, based on effectiveness, acceptability, cost, fairness, feasibility, and time. Results: Within the first phase, a total number of 30 semi-structured interviews with health policy-makers, health insurers, faculty members, rehabilitation experts, and physiotherapists were completed. Several policy recommendations were also proposed by the study participants. Following the second phase, prioritized recommendations were provided to promote stewardship (e.g. informing policy-makers about physiotherapy services), collection of funds (e.g. placing value-added taxes on luxury goods and services), pooling of funds (e.g. moving allocated resources towards insurance [viz. third-party] mechanism), purchasing (e.g. using strategic purchasing), and benefit package (e.g. considering preventive interventions) as the main components of insurance coverage. Conclusion: The study findings provided a favorable ground to improve insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran. As well, decision- and policy-makers can place these recommendations on the agenda in the health sector to protect population health status, especially that of groups with disabilities.

scholarly journals Recommendations to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran A multi-criteria decision making approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Shahabi ◽  
Seyed Taghi Heydari ◽  
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani ◽  
Leila Zarei
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Third Party ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Goods And Services

Abstract Background High rate of traffic injuries, climate changes, natural disasters, aging, and chronic diseases have been resulted in a considerable demand for receiving physiotherapy in Iran. However, there are various complications in utilization of physiotherapy services, especially poor insurance coverage. This study investigated and prioritized potential policy recommendations to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran. Methods The present project was carried out using mix-method (qualitative-quantitative) approach in Iran. In the first phase, a qualitative study was conducted to find the policy recommendations and in the second phase, obtained policy recommendations were prioritized based on the effectiveness, acceptability, cost, fairness, feasibility, and time using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results In the first phase, 30 semi-structured interviews with health policy-makers, health insurers, faculty members, rehabilitation experts, and physiotherapists were conducted. Several policy recommendations were proposed by participants. Following the second phase, prioritized recommendations were provided to promote stewardship (e.g. informing the policy-makers about physiotherapy services), collection of funds (e.g. value-added tax on luxury goods and services), pooling of funds (e.g. moving the allocated resources to insurance (third party) mechanism), purchasing (e.g. using strategic purchasing), and benefit package (e.g. considering the preventive interventions) as main components of insurance coverage. Conclusion The findings of this study will be provided a favorable ground to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran, and decision- and policy-makers can place these recommendations at their agenda settings in the health sector to protect the health status of population, especially disabled groups.

scholarly journals Recommendations to improve insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran: a multi criteria decision-making approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Shahabi ◽  
Dimitrios Skempes ◽  
Masoud Behzadifar ◽  
Reza Tabrizi ◽  
Behrooz Nazari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Aging ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers

Abstract Background High toll of traffic-related injuries, climate change, natural disasters, population aging, as well as chronic diseases have all made considerable demands on receiving physiotherapy services in Iran. Nevertheless, there is an assortment of complications facing utilization of such services, particularly poor insurance coverage. Therefore, the present study investigated and identified gaps in insurance coverage in order to inform future policy reforms and the design of a more comprehensive and universal benefits package for physiotherapy services in Iran. Methods This project was carried out in Iran, using a mix-methods (viz. qualitative-quantitative) approach. Within the first phase, a qualitative study was completed to find policy recommendations. Such recommendations were then prioritized through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), in the second phase, based on effectiveness, acceptability, cost, fairness, feasibility, and time. Results Within the first phase, a total number of 30 semi-structured interviews with health policy-makers, health insurers, faculty members, rehabilitation experts, and physiotherapists were completed. Several policy recommendations were also proposed by the study participants. Following the second phase, prioritized recommendations were provided to promote stewardship (e.g., informing policy-makers about physiotherapy services), collection of funds (e.g., placing value-added taxes on luxury goods and services), pooling of funds (e.g., moving allocated resources towards insurance (viz. third-party) mechanism), purchasing (e.g., using strategic purchasing), and benefit package (e.g., considering preventive interventions) as the main components of insurance coverage. Conclusion The study findings provided a favorable ground to improve insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran. As well, decision- and policy-makers can place these recommendations on the agenda in the health sector to protect population health status, especially that of groups with disabilities.

Differentiated Responsibilities On Population Explosion And Its Impact On Environment – A Corridor For The Crossing?

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-115
Author(s):  
P.P. Sajimon
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Zero Population Growth ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Population And Environment

Climate change and disasters are fast emerging as the most significant challenges of the 21st century as global risks with impacts far beyond just the environment and implications on national security and development. As the world continues its contemporary patterns of production and consumption, the future is at immense risk. Climate Change has the potential to alter the ability of the earth’s physical and biological systems to provide goods and services essential for sustainable development. Today, a number of mainstream population and environment groups are claiming that population growth is a major cause of climate change and that lesser birth rates are the solution. If we cannot stabilize population, there is not an ecosystem on earth that we can save. If developing countries cannot stabilize their populations almost immediately, many of them face the disintegration of ecosystem. But in reality, even if we could today achieve zero population growth that would barely touch the climate problem — where we need to cut emissions by 50 to 80 percent by mid-century. Given existing income inequalities, it is inescapable that over consumption by the rich few is the key problem, rather than overpopulation of the poor many. In the absence of any commitment in the next two decades, their economies would become locked into a trajectory of elevated emissions and unsustainable development, while the cost of reversing the trend will become prohibitively high. This paper examines several outstanding issues on the interface between population and environment. Significantly, the study would come out with some policy recommendations to the policy makers.

The benefits of logistics clustering

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liliana Rivera ◽  
David Gligor ◽  
Yossi Sheffi
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rich Description ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Job Growth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the benefits of logistics clustering, with the intent to explain their growth and popularity among private agents and policy makers during the last decade. Design/methodology/approach – Because of limited knowledge about the benefits of logistics clustering a main objective of this paper is theory building. The authors employed a grounded theory approach and conducted 135 open and semi structured interviews with logistics executives, government officials, academics, and chambers of commerce representatives. Findings – Study results revealed that, the agglomeration of logistics firms provides several key benefits to companies. Specifically, it was found that logistics clustering facilitates collaboration-related benefits, offering of value added services, career mobility for the logistics workforce within the cluster, and promotes job growth at multiple levels within the cluster. The authors offer a rich description of these benefits and the mechanisms that facilitate these outcomes. Research limitations/implications – This paper uses a qualitative approach. Further research using a quantitative approach to measure the magnitude of the impacts and benefits of logistics clusters would be desirable. Originality/value – This paper identifies the benefits associated with logistics clustering and thus provides justification for public authorities and private agents to invest in this phenomenon.

scholarly journals Cultura, turismo e desenvolvimento: reflexões acerca do potencial arqueológico no município de Carnaúba dos Dantas (RN)

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilker Ricardo de Mendonça Nóbrega ◽  
Francineide Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Rock Art ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Cultural Relevance ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Photographic Recording ◽  
Collection Methods

O principal objetivo deste trabalho é identificar as possibilidades e entraves para o desenvolvimento do turismo arqueológico na região do Seridó Potiguar, sobretudo no município de Carnaúba dos Dantas. O turismo arqueológico quando planejado e organizado pode ser um instrumento capaz de proteger, promover e potencializar o patrimônio arqueológico de uma determinada região. A metodologia do trabalho constituiu-se de um estudo exploratório, realizado por meio de duas pesquisas, a pesquisa bibliográfica, envolvendo conceitos associados à temática em questão, e em seguida, a segunda etapa caracterizou-se de um levantamento de dados por meio de uma pesquisa de campo, utilizando-se como instrumentos de coleta de dados, a observação direta, entrevistas e registro fotográfico. Os resultados apontaram que Carnaúba dos Dantas apresenta um significativo potencial para o desenvolvimento do turismo arqueológico, dentre elas a existência de atrativos que podem ser planejados para visitas organizadas de forma sistemática. Todavia, evidenciou-se como principal entrave para o desenvolvimento deste segmento turístico a falta de conhecimento e informação dos proprietários das áreas rurais acerca da relevância histórica e cultural dos registros rupestres. Acredita-se que se o segmento do turismo arqueológico for trabalhado de forma sinérgica entre os atores públicos, privados e do terceiro setor, a região poderia ter uma outra alternativa econômica além da pecuária, agricultura e mineração. Culture, tourism and development: insights on the potential exploration of archeological rock art in Carnaúba dos Dantas (RN, Brazil) ABSTRACT The primary objective of this study was to identify opportunities and bottlenecks for the development of archeological tourism in the Seridó Potiguar region, particularly in the municipality of Carnaúba dos Dantas. Archeological tourism, when well planned and organized, can serve as an instrument for protecting, promoting and potentiating the archeological heritage of a determined region. The methodology used in this study consisted of a literature review involving concepts associated with the topic in question, followed by a second phase involving data collection through fieldwork using the following data collection methods: participant observation, semi-structured interviews and photographic recording. The results indicate that there is a significant potential in Carnaúba dos Dantas to develop archeological tourism such as the existence of attractions that can be planned for organized visits in a systematic way. By contrast, it was observed a lack of knowledge and information among residents of the rural area in respect to the historical and cultural relevance of the rock art and this represents the primary bottleneck to development of this tourism segment. These findings suggest that, if the archeological tourism segment is approached in synergy among public, private and third party stakeholders, it could serve as an economic alternative to cattle raising, agriculture and mining for residents of the region. KEYWORDS: Tourism Development; Cultural and Archeological Heritage; Carnaúba dos Dantas.

UK Temporary Staffing: Industry Structure and Evolutionary Dynamics

2003 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 889-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Ward
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The United States ◽  
Industry Structure ◽  
Third Party ◽  
National Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Temporary Staffing ◽  
The Uk

During the 1990s the UK temporary staffing industry experienced almost unbroken year-on-year growth. Alongside this quantitative expansion the type of business performed by some UK temporary staffing agencies has begun to change, as some larger agencies have attempted to move out of the clerical and light industrial segments and into higher value-added markets. Other agencies have sought to add human resource services to their more-traditional recruitment and placement functions. All in all, the UK industry—the second largest in the world after the United States—has undergone widespread restructuring in the last decade. I argue that the recent growth in the UK industry constitutes a regularisation of flexible employment, as casual and fixed-term contracts are replaced by more formal arrangements involving a third party—the temporary staffing agency. Drawing upon global and national data and forty semi-structured interviews with agency owners and managers in the United Kingdom, I analyse the multidimensional growth and restructuring of the UK temporary staffing industry. I argue that as the UK industry ‘matures’ we are witnessing a degree of deepening in relations between temporary staffing agencies and client firms. More broadly, I argue that the growth of the temporary staffing industry has conceptual implications for how economic geographers theorise ‘the firm’ and explore the globalisation of service activities.

scholarly journals Exploring the Challenges of Goods and Services Tax on Batik Manufacturers

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.15) ◽  
pp. 510
Author(s):  
Zalilawati Yaacob ◽  
Nadiah Abd Hamid ◽  
Nor Fara Shahirah Kamal ◽  
Noorlaila Ghazali ◽  
Roszil Shamsuddin
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Business Associations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Malaysia has received criticism from various parties such as businesses, policy makers, professionals, business associations and individuals. Despite the rejections from these parties, the government proceeded to implement GST on 1 April 2015. Subsequently, this led to difficulties encountered by businesses, particularly the manufacturing industry in adjusting the production cost, setting prices of products, and comply with the new indirect tax structure. Hence, this study aims to explore the challenges of GST on SME batik manufacturers pertaining to business performance and compliance. A semi structured interviews were conducted on the top management and owners of SME batik manufacturer in two states of Malaysian Peninsular, namely Kelantan and Terengganu. The respondents reported that, during the era of GST, sales of their batik products decreased tremendously. In addition, they described the GST system as a complex system that affects compliance. This study solicits government’s attention on the impact of GST on Malaysian batik manufacturers. The findings suggest that it is essential for government to devise plans in reducing the financial burden of batik manufacturers and to simplify the GST mechanism in encouraging a high level of GST compliance. 

Between a business and a social enterprise

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 530-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Durdana Islam ◽  
Fikret Berkes
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Community Economic Development ◽  
Commercial Fishing ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Commercial Fishery ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the function of an Indigenous commercial fishery at Norway House Cree Nation as a social enterprise, and to examine its potential to enhance community economic development. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted in three phases, and the outcome of each phase was used as an input for the next phase. In the first phase, questionnaire surveys were administered among commercial fishing households. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, and in the third, with fisheries experts, food development experts and government officials. Findings Norway House Fisherman’s Co-op functions as a social enterprise mainly because commercial fishers contribute to local food security by sharing fish, and the Co-op operates additional businesses which contribute to job creation and community economic development. Research limitations/implications The study was carried out in only one community and commercial fishery from northern Manitoba, and the results will not be directly applicable elsewhere. Practical implications This research provides recommendations for further development of commercial fisheries at Norway House: fuller use of existing fish resources, value-added economic development and creative use of regulatory options. Originality/value The Co-op is identified as the engine of community development. It functions well, but there are additional opportunities for development, such as reducing the discard of lower value fish, which is consistent with indigenous Cree cultural values of not wasting resources.

scholarly journals Physical rehabilitation financing in Iran: a policy analysis using Kingdon’s multiple streams

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Shahabi ◽  
Parviz Mojgani ◽  
Hosein Shabaninejad ◽  
Ahmad Ahmadi Teymourlouy ◽  
Masoud Behzadifar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Physical Rehabilitation ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Multiple Streams ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Factors Affecting

Abstract Background Adequate financing is a crucial function, securing that physical rehabilitation services (i.e., physiotherapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotics) are available with no financial hardship. Like many other countries, despite the adoption of various policies and strategies in recent decades, Iran enjoys no desirable physical rehabilitation financing (PRF). Accordingly, this qualitative study aimed to explore the PRF-related strategies and issues as well as their impacts on relevant policies in Iran. Methods An analysis of PRF-related policies was conducted in Iran using semi-structured interviews and policy documents review. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to select key informants, including health-policy makers, civil society, rehabilitation-policy makers, university professors, and practitioners. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The analysis was framed within Kingdon’s multiple streams. Results The hindering factors for desirable financing were weak insurance coverage, lack of sustainable financial resources, fragmented financing, lack of split between provider and financer, high-cost of physical rehabilitation services, low engagement of relevant experts in policy-making processes, and corrupt activities. In the policy stream, the following factors were highlighted: involvement of sustainable financial resources, the use of external revenue sources, allocated resources’ earmarking, the integration of the current funds to have better pooling, the use of incentive and timely payment mechanisms, the implementation of strategic purchasing principals, and the employment of effective rationing strategies. Moreover, parliament support, changes in administrations, international effects, pressures from interest campaigns and NGOs, and international sanctions were found as factors affecting the politics stream. Conclusion The study findings revealed that a variety of national and international factors affect PRF-related issues in Iran. The recently enacted laws indicate that the PRF policies have already been on the national health political agenda. The study reflected the multifaceted nature of barriers to optimal PRF in Iran.

‘You cannot touch taxes easily’: making the case for tobacco taxation in India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreelata Rao Seshadri ◽  
Radhika Kaulgud ◽  
Prabhat Jha
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Political Support ◽  
Centralized Control ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Taxation Policy ◽  
The Government ◽  
Legal Frameworks

Abstract India represents over 1.3 billion people with >100 million adult smokers. The catastrophic health costs of smoking are staggering; and estimates show that even modest increases in taxes on cigarettes and bidis would both raise substantial revenues for the government and save ∼69 million years of healthy life over the next four decades. Karnataka represents a good example of tobacco control efforts and their impact. This case study examines the factors that have contributed to tobacco control policy in Karnataka based on 23 semi-structured interviews with key informants engaged in tobacco policymaking and decision-making, tobacco control/taxation research and advocacy. Their narratives indicate that: (i) Domestic taxation policy is complicated by the complex tax structure and centralized control over taxation with the introduction of Goods and Services Tax; (ii) Implementation of legal frameworks is a challenge, due to conflicts with powerful industry and farmer lobbies. A vigorous civil society backed by the Courts is necessary to garner political support; (iii) Action on taxation is hampered by weak leadership and mixed messaging; and (iv) There is a need for innovative policy solutions to promote both demand- and supply-side measures for tobacco control. Tobacco control advocates need to recognize the political economy of tobacco control and generate strong, reliable and scientifically sound evidence to support their arguments. Working for incremental ‘wins’ in terms of more stringent application of existing legal frameworks can make a substantial difference even in contexts where enhancing tobacco taxes is a challenge. Promoting multisectoral action is critical, at both policy and the ground levels, by expanding ownership and responsibility for tobacco control to sectors beyond health. Finally, the health sector needs to recommit to its role as a champion for tobacco control. Failure to do so would amount to a failure on multiple fronts—public health, economic, fiscal and ethical.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document