Identifying flood response experiences in Iranian health system: A qualitative study

Abstract

One of the most essential purposes of the health system is to ensure that people affected by various disastrous events, such as floods, have access timely to basic health services. Therefore, enhancing the preparedness and response plans for such events should be a national priority. Because of the complexity and devastating impacts of floods on public health, it is a crucial to understand the various aspects of flood experience in the country. The experiences of managers and operational staff from various units of the Iranian health system are a valuable source for understanding flood complexities. These experiences were explored using 19 semi-structured interviews with people who had firsthand experience of this phenomenon. Based on the results, in order to provide a flood response plan, it is necessary to adhere to the principles and foundations that can meet the needs arising from the flood. Our study showed that the health system's response to flooding can be divided into two categories: initial and specific functions. A comprehensive response requires an initial function to prevent flood impacts, and specific functions are needed to prevent and treat flood-related diseases. These results could form the basis for the health system's response to future floods.