Isfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421IndexIndex11614FAIndexJournal0000-0003-0874-1906Journal Article20180701Click to download the index of this issue.Click to download the index of this issue.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11614_c6344b0ae32e496be8b1b701e540d566.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421Isfahan City Hospitals, Iran, in the Context of Urban Growth: New Developments and Future ChallengesIsfahan City Hospitals, Iran, in the Context of Urban Growth: New Developments and Future Challenges121161510.22122/him.v15i1.3393FAHamidrezaRabiei-DastjerdiPhD, Spatial Planning and Urban Development, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-2576-793XStephenMatthewsProfessor, Sociology, Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology, Penn State University, USAJournal Article20170827--https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11615_19f59064291ed0341ae3765060cc4ad7.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421Key Performance Indicators of Benchmarking in Hospital Information SystemsKey Performance Indicators of Benchmarking in Hospital Information Systems3111161910.22122/him.v15i1.3341FAAsgharEhteshamiAssistant Professor, Health Information Management, Health Information Technology Research Center AND Department of Health Information Technology, School of School of Management and Medical Information, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranAhmad RezaRaeisiAssociate Professor, Health Information Management, Health Management and Economic Research Center AND Department of Health Care Management, School of School of Management and Medical Information, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-3690-096XMaedehRashediMSc, Health Information Technology, Health Information Technology Research Center AND Department of Health Information Technology, School of School of Management and Medical Information, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20170724Introduction: Monitoring hospital information systems requires developing key indicators and criteria for efficiency and effectiveness, and consequently fulfillment of organizational objectives, including safety and quality. The purpose of this study was benchmarking of key indicators of hospital information systems.Methods: This research was based on qualitative methodology with two phases. It was carried out in Ahwaz City, Iran, during the years 2015 and 2016. In the first phase, we conducted purposeful sampling using snowball technique. In the second phase, ranking of the key indicators of benchmarking operation of hospital information system (HIS) was conducted using Delphi technique. The method of data analysis in the first phase was based on a thematic content analysis, and primary and secondary themes were extracted through descriptive, interpretative, and explanatory coding. For the second phase, SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative findings and their ranking.Results: After performing 14 semi-structured interviews with the study participants, the key benchmarking indicators for hospital information system were identified with 8 main themes including hardware, software, support services, vendors, output quality, workflow process, design/interface, and costs, and 76 subthemes, prioritized through Delphi method.Conclusion: Benchmarking intended for comparison and improvement of the various hospital systems such as hospital information system, is one of the very helpful instruments in the hands of the managers working in this field. The indicators identified during this research will provide a comprehensive tool for benchmarking of hospital information system. By applying these benchmarks continuously, there is a good possibility to improve the operation of such systems.Introduction: Monitoring hospital information systems requires developing key indicators and criteria for efficiency and effectiveness, and consequently fulfillment of organizational objectives, including safety and quality. The purpose of this study was benchmarking of key indicators of hospital information systems.Methods: This research was based on qualitative methodology with two phases. It was carried out in Ahwaz City, Iran, during the years 2015 and 2016. In the first phase, we conducted purposeful sampling using snowball technique. In the second phase, ranking of the key indicators of benchmarking operation of hospital information system (HIS) was conducted using Delphi technique. The method of data analysis in the first phase was based on a thematic content analysis, and primary and secondary themes were extracted through descriptive, interpretative, and explanatory coding. For the second phase, SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative findings and their ranking.Results: After performing 14 semi-structured interviews with the study participants, the key benchmarking indicators for hospital information system were identified with 8 main themes including hardware, software, support services, vendors, output quality, workflow process, design/interface, and costs, and 76 subthemes, prioritized through Delphi method.Conclusion: Benchmarking intended for comparison and improvement of the various hospital systems such as hospital information system, is one of the very helpful instruments in the hands of the managers working in this field. The indicators identified during this research will provide a comprehensive tool for benchmarking of hospital information system. By applying these benchmarks continuously, there is a good possibility to improve the operation of such systems.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11619_91e1fea50842570d5b4bd4bc2d23364b.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421A Nutrition Expert System for Pregnant WomenA Nutrition Expert System for Pregnant Women12191161610.22122/him.v15i1.3417FAٍElhamSaljoughiMSc, Information Technology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0001-8649-6008Seyed HamidGhafooriAssistant Professor, Software, Department of Computer Engineering, School of Sciences, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran0000-0003-0518-186XKambizBahaadinbeigyAssociate Professor, Medical Informatics, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranFaridehDoostanAssistant Professor, Nutrition and Public Health, Department of Health Sciences and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranZakiehIzadiExpert, Nutrition, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranJournal Article20170911Introduction: Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive and important periods of a woman’s life. It is necessary to have a proper diet program based on physiologic changes and individual characteristics during pregnancy in order to meet the needs of mother and fetus, weight control, and prevention of different diseases and complications. The aim of this research was to implement an expert system for weight control surveillance and nutritional consulting.Methods: This study was an applied and descriptive study as performed on a random sample of 100 pregnant women. The system designing was created using expert systems methods based on rules and forward chaining technique. The web-based expert system was designed in two sections: weight controlling and suggestive diet. Then, the system output was compared with the actual advices provided by nutrition experts.Results: Using kappa index in SPSS software, the similarity of the results of designed system to the diagnosis by nutritionist was 0.89 (very strong) in weight control surveillance, and 0.79 (strong) in proposed diet.Conclusion: The findings of the study show that such systems can play an effective helping role in promoting healthy diet, weight control, and using diet among pregnant women, especially those who cannot easily access an expert nutritionist in some areas.Introduction: Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive and important periods of a woman’s life. It is necessary to have a proper diet program based on physiologic changes and individual characteristics during pregnancy in order to meet the needs of mother and fetus, weight control, and prevention of different diseases and complications. The aim of this research was to implement an expert system for weight control surveillance and nutritional consulting.Methods: This study was an applied and descriptive study as performed on a random sample of 100 pregnant women. The system designing was created using expert systems methods based on rules and forward chaining technique. The web-based expert system was designed in two sections: weight controlling and suggestive diet. Then, the system output was compared with the actual advices provided by nutrition experts.Results: Using kappa index in SPSS software, the similarity of the results of designed system to the diagnosis by nutritionist was 0.89 (very strong) in weight control surveillance, and 0.79 (strong) in proposed diet.Conclusion: The findings of the study show that such systems can play an effective helping role in promoting healthy diet, weight control, and using diet among pregnant women, especially those who cannot easily access an expert nutritionist in some areas.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11616_1f10c3650a3aa5912dccc5789fd515e8.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421Identifying Requirements of Mobile-Based Self-Management System for Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Identifying Requirements of Mobile-Based Self-Management System for Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)20251161710.22122/him.v15i1.3506FAEsmaeilMehraeenPhD Student, Health Information Management, Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-4108-2973RezaSafdariProfessor, Health Information Management, Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-4982-337XMinooMohrazProfessor, Infectious Diseases, Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranNiloofarMohammadzadehAssistant Professor, Health Information Management, Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-7586-9227Seyed AhmadSeyed-AlinaghiAssistant Professor, Infectious Diseases, Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-3210-7905Journal Article20171210Introduction: Due to the widespread use of mobile-based systems, and the low cost of this technology, application of mobile-based self-management system can lead to adherence to the treatment and promotion of the health for the people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to identify requirements for the mobile-based self-management system for these people.Methods: This study was a descriptive one, carried out in two main phases in year 2017. In the first stage, in order to identify the requirements for the mobile-based self-management system, similar articles were searched and reviewed, and in the second phase, identified requirements were validated using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population was infectious diseases specialists affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics methods.Results: The requirements for the self-management system were identified in four categories: demographic data requirements, clinical data requirements, technical capabilities, and self-management strategies. Furthermore, according to the research community' attitude, six data elements for demographic category, 10 data elements for clinical category, 11 features for technical capabilities, and 10 items for self-management strategies were selected.Conclusion: Use of proposed requirements strategies can improve the self-management skills and medication adherence of the people living with human immunodeficiency virus, and facilitate their communication with health care providers.Introduction: Due to the widespread use of mobile-based systems, and the low cost of this technology, application of mobile-based self-management system can lead to adherence to the treatment and promotion of the health for the people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to identify requirements for the mobile-based self-management system for these people.Methods: This study was a descriptive one, carried out in two main phases in year 2017. In the first stage, in order to identify the requirements for the mobile-based self-management system, similar articles were searched and reviewed, and in the second phase, identified requirements were validated using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population was infectious diseases specialists affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics methods.Results: The requirements for the self-management system were identified in four categories: demographic data requirements, clinical data requirements, technical capabilities, and self-management strategies. Furthermore, according to the research community' attitude, six data elements for demographic category, 10 data elements for clinical category, 11 features for technical capabilities, and 10 items for self-management strategies were selected.Conclusion: Use of proposed requirements strategies can improve the self-management skills and medication adherence of the people living with human immunodeficiency virus, and facilitate their communication with health care providers.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11617_17ae6739cdbe8fda7dbf9d8a18bb6de0.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421Curriculum Revision based on the Health Sector Needs: Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Health Services ManagementCurriculum Revision based on the Health Sector Needs: Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Health Services Management26331161810.22122/him.v15i1.3356FAHasanAbolghasem-GorjiAssociate Professor, Health Services Management, Center of Excellence in Health Management and Economics, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5296-259XAliKhamsehAssistant Professor, Health Services Management, Treatment Deputy, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-2659-5279NiushaShahidi-SadeghiPhD Student, Health Services Management, Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranParvinEbrahimiAssistant Professor, Health Services Management, Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20170803Introduction: Training competent and capable human resources in order to meet community needs is one of the most important challenges of higher education. This research aimed to revise the curriculum of the Master of Science (MSc) level in health services management in order to meet the needs of health sector.Methods: This study was carried out using quantitative-qualitative method. The first stage was conducted in a comparative manner, while in the second stage, structured interviews were conducted with a sample population selected through non-probability quota sampling. The data of the first and second stages were analyzed using Bereday model and content analysis, respectively, with the help of SPSS software.Results: According to comparative study, similarities and differences of 24 universities from 15 countries were extracted and compared with Iran. Then, stakeholders were identified at three organizational levels. In addition to changing the titles of some major courses, 25 specialized courses and 28 optional courses were categorized in eight priorities according to their importance and necessity. 63.2% of the stakeholders did not agree the current career opportunities; while 73.3% agreed the professionalization. Finally, very influential factor, influential factors, and factors in need of improvement were identified.Conclusion: The results of the comparative study indicate that in most cases, there are significant differences between the studied areas in Iran with world-renowned universities. Change in the specialized courses due to the adoption of similar disciplines, attention to optional courses in order to specialize and create tendencies, and apprenticeships and internships are emphasized as the opportunities to turn knowledge into skills. Separation of specialist training, and classification of education according to the occupation and educational level were among suggested methods for improvement.Introduction: Training competent and capable human resources in order to meet community needs is one of the most important challenges of higher education. This research aimed to revise the curriculum of the Master of Science (MSc) level in health services management in order to meet the needs of health sector.Methods: This study was carried out using quantitative-qualitative method. The first stage was conducted in a comparative manner, while in the second stage, structured interviews were conducted with a sample population selected through non-probability quota sampling. The data of the first and second stages were analyzed using Bereday model and content analysis, respectively, with the help of SPSS software.Results: According to comparative study, similarities and differences of 24 universities from 15 countries were extracted and compared with Iran. Then, stakeholders were identified at three organizational levels. In addition to changing the titles of some major courses, 25 specialized courses and 28 optional courses were categorized in eight priorities according to their importance and necessity. 63.2% of the stakeholders did not agree the current career opportunities; while 73.3% agreed the professionalization. Finally, very influential factor, influential factors, and factors in need of improvement were identified.Conclusion: The results of the comparative study indicate that in most cases, there are significant differences between the studied areas in Iran with world-renowned universities. Change in the specialized courses due to the adoption of similar disciplines, attention to optional courses in order to specialize and create tendencies, and apprenticeships and internships are emphasized as the opportunities to turn knowledge into skills. Separation of specialist training, and classification of education according to the occupation and educational level were among suggested methods for improvement.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11618_de4994a3a1ec0331d2c59d37631a4776.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421Ranking Different Regions of Iran in Terms of the Level of Health Services Outsourcing and Indirect Care Activities of the Social Security Organization via Using Multiple Attribute Decision Making Method in Year 2016Ranking Different Regions of Iran in Terms of the Level of Health Services Outsourcing and Indirect Care Activities of the Social Security Organization via Using Multiple Attribute Decision Making Method in Year 201634391162010.22122/him.v15i1.3462FAAbbasJahangiriMSc, Industrial Engineering, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Khomein Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khomein, Iran0000-0002-2661-8031Journal Article20171018Introduction: Indirect treatment is one of the methods of providing health care for customers in social security organization through the purchase of services from public and private centers. In this way, a portion of the health care is outsourced. The purpose of this study was to rank different regions of Iran in terms of the level of health services outsourcing and indirect care activities of the Social Security Organization.Methods: In this descriptive sectional study, the required data were obtained by referring to the Social Security Organization website and downloading the Statistical Yearbook of 2016. Then, indirect treatment performance of that organization in all provinces, as well as Kashan area, was evaluated and compared with each other using six indicators for covered population in each area. Evaluation was carried out using one of the newest multiple attribute decision making methods, namely Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS).Results: The ratio of the number of contracted-out treatment centers to the population covered by insurance in each region was recognized as the most important indicator due to having the highest weight. There was provision of indirect healthcare services form in all studied regions; but the highest performance was observed in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, while the worst performance was observed in Bushehr Province.Conclusion: Social Security Organization has used indirect care method (purchasing health services and contracting with public and private centers) as a strategy to increase the accessibility of medical resources to insured customers, and to replace development and construction of proprietary centers in all regions of Iran with outsourcing (with different amount of outsourcing in different regions).Introduction: Indirect treatment is one of the methods of providing health care for customers in social security organization through the purchase of services from public and private centers. In this way, a portion of the health care is outsourced. The purpose of this study was to rank different regions of Iran in terms of the level of health services outsourcing and indirect care activities of the Social Security Organization.Methods: In this descriptive sectional study, the required data were obtained by referring to the Social Security Organization website and downloading the Statistical Yearbook of 2016. Then, indirect treatment performance of that organization in all provinces, as well as Kashan area, was evaluated and compared with each other using six indicators for covered population in each area. Evaluation was carried out using one of the newest multiple attribute decision making methods, namely Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS).Results: The ratio of the number of contracted-out treatment centers to the population covered by insurance in each region was recognized as the most important indicator due to having the highest weight. There was provision of indirect healthcare services form in all studied regions; but the highest performance was observed in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, while the worst performance was observed in Bushehr Province.Conclusion: Social Security Organization has used indirect care method (purchasing health services and contracting with public and private centers) as a strategy to increase the accessibility of medical resources to insured customers, and to replace development and construction of proprietary centers in all regions of Iran with outsourcing (with different amount of outsourcing in different regions).https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11620_ec5972de2ccb6e92baa69e11c892ca33.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421The Effectiveness of Social Media in Meeting the Information Needs among the Students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Based on the Norwood's Information Needs PyramidThe Effectiveness of Social Media in Meeting the Information Needs among the Students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Based on the Norwood's Information Needs Pyramid40451162110.22122/him.v15i1.3354FAFatemehZarmehrPhD Student, Knowledge and Information Science, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, School of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-2841-9463HasanAshrafi-RiziAssociate Professor, Library and Information Sciences, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-6052-2087AhmadShabaniProfessor, Knowledge and Information Science, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, School of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-0466-6240Journal Article20170801Introduction: Nowadays, social media plays an important role in meeting information needs of individuals, especially students. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social media in meeting all kinds of information needs based on Norwood's information needs pyramid among the students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Methods: In this survey study, the data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was carried out using random stratified sampling method. The validity of questionnaire was confirmed by experts in library and information science and psychologists; while reliability was calculated based on Cronbach’s alpha (0.89). SPSS software was used for data analysis.Results: The mean of using social media to meet information needs was lower than average among studied students. The means of using social media to meet the coping, helping, enlightening, empowering, and edifying information needs were estimated as 2.461, 2.323, 3.147, 2.448, and 2.463, respectively. Field of study significantly affected the use of social media, while the age had no significant effects.Conclusion: The extent of using social media tools to meet all kinds of information needs of students was less than average in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; and the enlightening information needs of students were met more than other types of information needs through social media tools. To import the use of social media in meeting information needs, health officials should explain the capabilities of social media to students.Introduction: Nowadays, social media plays an important role in meeting information needs of individuals, especially students. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social media in meeting all kinds of information needs based on Norwood's information needs pyramid among the students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Methods: In this survey study, the data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was carried out using random stratified sampling method. The validity of questionnaire was confirmed by experts in library and information science and psychologists; while reliability was calculated based on Cronbach’s alpha (0.89). SPSS software was used for data analysis.Results: The mean of using social media to meet information needs was lower than average among studied students. The means of using social media to meet the coping, helping, enlightening, empowering, and edifying information needs were estimated as 2.461, 2.323, 3.147, 2.448, and 2.463, respectively. Field of study significantly affected the use of social media, while the age had no significant effects.Conclusion: The extent of using social media tools to meet all kinds of information needs of students was less than average in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; and the enlightening information needs of students were met more than other types of information needs through social media tools. To import the use of social media in meeting information needs, health officials should explain the capabilities of social media to students.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11621_c6243fd9fd572cc14d21d70eedf07715.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesHealth Information Management1735-785315120180421Quality Assessment of Digital Library Services in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from the Users' PerspectivesQuality Assessment of Digital Library Services in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from the Users' Perspectives46491162210.22122/him.v15i1.3410FAAlirezaRahimiAssistant Professor, Library and Information Sciences, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-2841-8279Mohammad RezaSoleymaniAssociate Professor, Library and Information Sciences, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranAlirezaHashemianMSc Student, Medical Library and Information Sciences, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-5383-1436Journal Article20170924Introduction: Today, library services are heavily influenced by information technology, in a way that has changed the manner services are provided. The purpose of study was to assess the quality of digital library services in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from the users' perspectives.Methods: In this survey, the statistical population consisted of 331 postgraduate students and faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences who were selected using random sampling method based on Morgan sampling table. The research tool was DigiQUAL questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t tests via SPSS software.Results: The mean service quality was less than the average level of 4 in all the dimensions of DigiQUAL. The highest and the lowest means of service quality from the faculty members’ perspectives were related to the coverage (4.56) and usefulness (3.07), respectively. From the graduate students’ perspectives, the highest and the lowest means of service quality were related to the accuracy and validity (4.56) and usefulness (2.96), respectively. There was also a significant relationship between the quality of digital library service and age, sex, and educational level.Conclusion: According to the low average of the quality of digital library services, librarians and library officials need to pay more attention to improve the quality of services, and educating the users.Introduction: Today, library services are heavily influenced by information technology, in a way that has changed the manner services are provided. The purpose of study was to assess the quality of digital library services in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from the users' perspectives.Methods: In this survey, the statistical population consisted of 331 postgraduate students and faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences who were selected using random sampling method based on Morgan sampling table. The research tool was DigiQUAL questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t tests via SPSS software.Results: The mean service quality was less than the average level of 4 in all the dimensions of DigiQUAL. The highest and the lowest means of service quality from the faculty members’ perspectives were related to the coverage (4.56) and usefulness (3.07), respectively. From the graduate students’ perspectives, the highest and the lowest means of service quality were related to the accuracy and validity (4.56) and usefulness (2.96), respectively. There was also a significant relationship between the quality of digital library service and age, sex, and educational level.Conclusion: According to the low average of the quality of digital library services, librarians and library officials need to pay more attention to improve the quality of services, and educating the users.https://him.mui.ac.ir/article_11622_ffd3d44afe65e856eb4dc1c3fd40bc28.pdf