Designing a model for implementing diagnosis‐related groups in Iran: An action plan approach.

Background and Aims: Implementing diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) in different countries increases the efficiency of healthcare services, improves treatment quality, and reduces treatment costs. Due to the lack of a coherent model for its implementation, the present study aimed to develop a DRGs‐based implementation action plan Model for Iran. Methods: The present study was an applied, descriptive cross‐sectional study conducted in three stages. In the first stage, a review of studies conducted in different countries was carried out. In the second stage, a model was designed for an action plan to implement the DRGs in Iran. In the third stage, the model was validated based on the Delphi technique. Results: The DRGs‐based implementation action plan model in Iran was designed in three primary axes, including the strategic approach of the DRGs‐based implementation action plan, technical dimensions, and executive institutions involved in the DRGs‐based implementation action plan. Validation of the designed model showed the agreement of experts (94%) for the mentioned axes. Conclusion: The significance of tailoring a DRGs‐based implementation action plan to each country's unique context is well‐established. Given the intricacies of the Iranian healthcare system, we recommend an initial pilot implementation of DRGs at the hospital level, followed by a gradual national rollout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]