Towards Sustainable Home Care Systems with a Qualitative Analysis in Iraq

Home care benefits in iraq's health system

Background: This study addressed the escalating need for long-term home care due to the rapid increase of the elderly population in developing countries, with a focus on Iraq.

Methods: Conducted as a qualitative research project in Baghdad in 2022, this study employed thematic analysis to explore perceptions regarding the enhancement of home healthcare services in Iraq. It used a purposive sampling strategy, with snowball sampling to identify additional participants. The study involved interviews and focus group discussions with a diverse group of 29 policymakers, health system experts, academic faculty members, and specialists in social medicine, public health, management, and nursing. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results: The study identified 5 primary themes with 40 sub-themes, emphasizing the importance of home healthcare in Iraq's health system. Participants recognized the economic (30%), social (25%), individual care (20%), familial (15%), and healthcare system (10%) benefits of home care. Key findings highlighted the reduction in healthcare costs, enhancement of community involvement and patient satisfaction, and improved quality of care in familiar environments.

Conclusion: The research underscores the necessity and potential of advancing home care in developing societies, including Iraq. Home care, with its multifaceted benefits, is pivotal for delivering effective healthcare services. Leveraging the resources of the family, community, and non-governmental organizations, home care can significantly contribute to the healthcare system, especially in managing chronic diseases and elderly care. The study’s insights are crucial for policy-making and healthcare service improvements in Iraq.