RESUMEN
Background: Socializing the health system is a new approach to participatory governance that aims to promote community health and enhance sustainable health equity in the community. This approach is a part of health system reform in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Aims: This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for socializing the health system in the Islamic Republic of Iran as a theoretical basis for this reform. Methods: Data were gathered through a review of the literature, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and panel discussions. Participants were experts in the field of health systems within the health ministry and medical universities. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and identify core values, principles, and approaches for socializing the health system. Results: The core values identified included human dignity, equity, ethics, and trust. The principles were participation, empowerment, human rights, and responsiveness. The approaches identified were good governance, a health-oriented focus, capacity-building, a process-oriented method, and improvement in the social determinants of health. A strong political will was considered essential for socializing the health system. Conclusions: The conceptual framework outlines requirements for socializing the Iranian health system. As this is a new approach in health system governance, however, it needs to be refined and redefined through implementation and evaluation.
