Identifying Strategies to Improve Care for Children with Disabilities in Iran: A Q-Methodology Study

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of a sample of healthcare professionals regarding strategies for improving the care of children with disabilities in Iran. Materials and Methods: The six-stage Q methodology was employed to systematically predict the diverse viewpoints of 15 health professionals working in Iran. Results: The analysis of the participants' perspectives in the study (Q sorting) resulted in a five-factor solution (accounting for 62% of the total variance) to validate strategies for improving the care of children with disabilities in Iran. The five factors were insurance, health services, social and infrastructural supports (24%); financial, educational, and social support for families and children with disabilities (11%); addressing physical care needs and support from local organizations for the needs of children with disabilities (10%); facilitating access to public transportation, welfare, and sports services (9%); and life and social skills and facilitating service delivery (8%). These factors, as identified by the experts, collectively explained 62% of the variance. Conclusion: The identified strategies for improving the care of children with disabilities highlight areas that should be focused on in interventions to facilitate the successful implementation of financial, educational, and social support for families and children with disabilities; addressing physical care needs and support from local organizations for the needs of children with disabilities; facilitating access to public transportation, welfare, and sports services; and life and social skills and facilitating service delivery for the needs of children with disabilities in Itan and other developing countries.