Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Policy-Making and 
National Planning: A Qualitative Study

Parvizrad, Peyman

Volume 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics IJMEHM 2024, 17 - Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics : 1-2 | Back to browse issues page

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Parvizrad P. Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Policy-Making and National Planning: A Qualitative Study. IJMEHM 2024; 17 (S1) :1-2
URL: http://ijme.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7169-en.html

Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Policy-Making and National Planning: A Qualitative Study

Peyman Parvizrad ^*

Vice Chancellery for Development Management & Resources, Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: (57 Views)

Healthcare policy-making and national planning are complex processes that require the integration of ethical principles to ensure fairness, effectiveness, and public trust. This qualitative study explores the key ethical considerations that should guide the development and implementation of healthcare policies and plans. A qualitative research design was utilized, incorporating semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient representatives. A total of 15 interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis identified seven key ethical considerations in healthcare policy-making and planning: (1) Equity and Justice – ensuring equitable access to healthcare regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or other demographic factors; (2) Autonomy and Informed Consent – respecting individual autonomy and ensuring informed decision-making in healthcare interventions; (3) Beneficence – prioritizing actions that maximize benefits and minimize harm; (4) Non-Maleficence – preventing harm to patients and communities; (5) Confidentiality and Privacy – safeguarding patient information and ensuring data protection; (6) Resource Allocation – making fair and justifiable decisions regarding the distribution of limited healthcare resources; and (7) Transparency and Accountability – promoting openness in policy decisions and ensuring accountability for outcomes. Ethical considerations play a critical role in shaping healthcare policies and national planning efforts. By integrating ethical principles into decision-making, policymakers and healthcare providers can foster policies that enhance public well-being, equity, and trust in the healthcare system. A structured ethical framework can help ensure that healthcare policies align with societal values and promote justice in health service delivery.

Keywords: Healthcare policy, Ethics, Qualitative research, Equity, Transparency, Resource allocation, Accountability

Full-Text [PDF 366 kb] (19 Downloads)

Type of Study: Ethics Congress | Subject: Health Ethics Congress (11th) - Poster Presentation
Received: 2026/02/24 | Revised: 2026/02/24 | Accepted: 2024/12/22 | Published: 2024/12/22