Challenges for implementation of inter-sectoral efforts to improve outbreak response using consolidated framework for implementation research; Iran’s COVID-19 experience

BACKGROUND: The recurrence of emerging infectious diseases reminds us that rapid response to related outbreaks require coordinated inter-sectoral/ organizational and trans-disciplinary approaches. This study examined the challenges for implementation of inter-sectoral efforts to improve COVID-19 pandemic response in Iran using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). METHODS: We conducted a qualitative content analysis of in-depth interviews between March 2020 and February 2021 in Tehran, Iran. Participants included health professionals and experts involved in the prevention, treatment and control of COVID-19 pandemic from different levels of the health system (macro: Ministry of Health and Iranian National Institute of Health Research; meso: universities of medical sciences and health services; and micro: hospitals), selected using purposive sampling. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using a deductive approach (CFIR constructs). RESULTS: In total, 12 interviews with the participants were conducted; and eight themes emerged as the most important challenges for implementation of inter-sectoral efforts to improve outbreak response in COVID-19. These challenges include lack of proper intervention sources, complexity, poor networking with external organizations, cultural issues, inadequate availability of resources, inadequate access to knowledge and information about inter-sectoral collaboration implementation, and planning issues for it. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing inter-sectoral efforts to improve outbreak response require addressing several implementation challenges. There should be effective leadership and command system, prioritizing the problem, having proper intra-sector collaboration, adequate supervisory, strong social capital, managers and officials’ positive beliefs and organizational culture towards inter-sectoral collaboration, sufficient knowledge and information about the implementation, and providing proper programs to implement inter-sectoral collaboration. These findings recall the need to develop and in particular, implement a specific infra-structure through a well-designed program at the government level to strengthen this approach. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08510-4.