Post-Disaster Damage and Loss Assessment in the Iranian Healthcare Sector: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background Accurate post-disaster damage and loss assessment is critical for the success of a subsequent recovery program. A comprehensive and systematic damage and loss assessment process involves the evaluation of the physical damage and financial impact of an event on individuals, communities, and assets. To ensure effective recovery, various entities and components included in the program must be developed appropriately and efficiently. This study aims to identify the entities and components of the Iranian healthcare sector's post-disaster damage and loss assessment program. Methods This qualitative study employed purposeful sampling and semi-structured individual interviews with participants from the National Disaster Management Organization, the Iranian Red Crescent, and the disaster risk management departments of the Ministry of Health and the medical universities. The interviews were conducted face-to-face at the participants' workplaces or remotely. Thematic analysis, which is a conventional qualitative method, was employed to analyse the data. Following the transcription of the recorded interviews, the initial codes were extracted, reviewed, and classified. Results The study's results are based on the insights and experiences of a diverse group of qualified experts in their respective fields. The findings were analyzed and classified into 10 main themes, 30 sub-themes, and 1058 codes. Conclusion An understanding of the key concepts and principles enables stakeholders to respond effectively to disasters, make informed decisions, and facilitate recovery and reconstruction efforts.