The Strengths and Weaknesses of Urban Family PhysicianProgram during 2012-2016 from the Viewpoint ofPolicymakers, Administrators and Services Recipients inShiraz: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: the “family physician” program is one of the plans which aimed at expandingthe coverage of insurance, overcoming the barriers to the health system of the country, andsolving the public health problems in iran. this study was conducted to identify the strengthsand weaknesses of the urban family physician program from the viewpoint of policymakers,administrators, and recipients of services in the city of shiraz during 2012-2016, usingcorrective strategies.methods: this is a qualitative study, and the data were collected through focus groupdiscussions and semi-structured interviews. a total of six focus group discussions sessionsand 40 interviews were conducted, and the target sampling was done.results: a total of 9 basic concepts and 46 sub-concepts were identified to explain thestrengths and weaknesses of the family physician program. the main concepts included: 1-culture-making and community preparation, 2- structure and deployment facilities of theprogram, 3- manpower training, 4. service coverage, concept 5. resources (financial, humanand equipment), 6. stewardship and monitoring of the program, 7. insurance system, tariffs,and compensation of services, 8. clarity of the guidelines and regulations, and 9. satisfactionwith the implementation of the plan.conclusion: according to the results of the study, educational planning for public culturemakingthrough the media and newspapers, proportion of the number of people covered byeach doctor, aggregation of insurances, and legal requirements for specialists to cooperateeffectively are recommended to improve the program.