The Challenges and Barriers to the Integration of Laboratory Services in Iran from Laboratory Experts’ Point of View

Background: Laboratory services fragmentation creates problems such as non-accountability for costs and quality, not being patient-centered and unsustainability of services in long run. Therefore, health systems con-sider laboratory services integration an inevitable way. This study aimed to investigate the challenges and barri-ers to the integration of laboratory services in Iran. Methods: This qualitative case study was conducted in 2016. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured inter-views were conducted with 34 informed participants. Each interview lasted between 30 to 60 min. Acceptability, transferability, reliability, and verifiability were used to assess the validity, accuracy and reliability of qualitative data. Framework approach was used to analyze data. Results: Lack of economy of scale, unfair access, lack of grading, low quality, development of national strate-gies to create an integrated network of laboratories, criteria of the laboratories establishment, creation of neces-sary infrastructure, empowering the private sector and standardization of indicators were considered the most important problems of laboratory services integration in Iran; they were classified into two main themes. Conclusion: Identified issues are challenges which adversely impact the integration of laboratory services. Therefore, providing infrastructures with increased cooperation between various organizations to increase ac-cess to laboratory services in the form of an integrated network is essential.