Evaluation of outsourced imaging centers and pharmacies affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Objective(s): The health sectors in developing countries are facing challenges such as rising of costs and diminishing resources. Therefore, outsourcing appears to be an effective solution. Considering that Iran is confronted with challenges such as the lack of a strong private sector, lack of managerial skills in contract negotiation, and weak supervision, it is essential to have supervision, success indicators, and results dissemination for the successful implementation of outsourcing in hospitals and healthcare organizations. The aim of this study was to examine outsourced imaging units and pharmacies affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences using economic indicators, accessibility, and quality. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020-2021. The research population included all imaging centers and outsourced pharmacies affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Initially, a format was designed in the intelligent hospital information management system for the outsourced units. Then, the units completed and extracted the data. The data included economic indicators, access to services, and service quality for all outsourced imaging centers and pharmacies from 2009 to 2020. The results were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: Based on the results of this study, in all indicators, only two teaching hospital (the Imam Hussein Hospital's imaging unit and Loghman Hospital's pharmacy) showed satisfactory results. For all other centers the results were not satisfactory. Conclusion: In this study, all outsourced units had average or, in some cases, weak service quality based on indicators examined. The findings suggest continuous evaluation and assessment of outsourced units are necessary and a decision should be made for outsource centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in order to improve service delivery.