Explore of the reasons of irrational prescribing in Iran: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Irrational prescribing is highly prevalent in Iran, and it is under the impact of different factors. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to recognize the reasons for Irrational prescribing in Iran. METHODS: A qualitative approach and a conventional content analysis were employed to perform this research. The research community includes some experts and key specialists in medication prescribing. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The intentional sampling method was applied, and theoretical saturation was reached by conducting 40 interviews with experts. The data analysis process was done following the steps suggested by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS: Four main categories and 12 subcategories appeared after analyzing the data. The main categories are organizational and management factors, legal factors, cultural factors, and economic factors. CONCLUSION: Irrational prescribing can be prevented by reforming the referral system, overseeing pharmacies and physicians, raising public awareness and correcting their misconceptions about the medications, and creating an appropriate mechanism for pricing and selling medicines.