Analysis of Iran's National Medical Education Evolution and Innovation Plan using the Michelle and Scott's model of policymaking

INTRODUCTION: Lack of a clear policy for the development of health human resources has created inconsistencies. These imbalances are threats to the health system to achieve its goals. Therefore, the development of human resources through proper performance of higher education health system is an important part of the policy development process of the health sector. The present paper aims to introduce the methods applied for the compilation of evolution and innovation program of medical sciences training as well as the most important directions for evolution and innovation. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the methodology for designing packages of Iran’s higher education health system evolution and innovation. For this purpose, the evaluation of the policy process was conducted based on Michelle and Scott's policy process models. This policy evaluation model starts by problem identification and definition and continue by agenda setting, policy formation, legitimation, implementation, evaluation, and policy modification, using the proper feedback. Qualitative content analysis method was used as a research method for subjective interpretation of the content of the text data. RESULTS: Twelve policies, 68 strategies and their translation in the health system were adopted in a comprehensive plan for higher health education. Eleven practical packages were also developed in order to implement these policies as packages for reform and innovation in medical education. These packages were organized based on the IPOCC pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of a comprehensive look at each project or program could bring about irreparableness consequences. However, the MoHME of Iran, relying on the integration of health higher education with health care system and comprehensive method used for transformation and innovation plan in the field of health higher education could take an important step towards improving the nation's health.