The Experience of Involved Individuals From the Implementing Challenges of Community-Based Rehabilitation in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: One of the prominent vital needs for implementing a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program is correct perception and we know that CBR is linked to several challenges. The current study was performed to identify the challenges of implementing a CBR program in Iran based on the perceptions of the stakeholders. Methods: This study was qualitative conventional content analysis. In total, 25 participants who were staff of the Welfare Organization at different levels, managers, and experts working in the CBR project and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were selected according to purposive sampling. Data gathering was performed by semi-structured and in-depth interviews and continued until saturation. The interviews were performed in 2020. To test the trustworthiness of data, the Guba and Lincoln criteria (credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability) and MAXQDA were used for data analysis. Results: The challenges of implementing a CBR program were identified. Eight novel categories and 39 subcategories were generated as follows: neglecting the local conditions and role of provinces, poor policymaking, and planning, deviation from the main goals, lack of a comprehensive evaluation system, inefficient resource management, weakness in facilitation, ineffective communication, and the inefficiency of NGOs). Discussion: Policymakers, service providers, and managers must understand the challenges of implementing a CBR program. Also, they are expected to address to this issue. This paper showed evidence for all stakeholders. Paying attention to these challenges can lead to the program’s tremendous success and ultimately, improved service provision and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. The results support the need for policymakers and managers in the rehabilitation sector to change their vision and address the CBR as an essential part of the rehabilitation system. Also, the collected data could help to reinforce the CBR services.