Original Article(s)
Sayed Mehran Harirchian; Mohammad Hosein Yarmohammadian; Susan Bahrami; Mahnaz Bahadorani
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Web-Based education; study of knowledge, attitude and practice of faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Methods: For this descriptive– survey, in 2008 all faculty members of all university departments of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (706 people) as the study ...
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Introduction: Web-Based education; study of knowledge, attitude and practice of faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Methods: For this descriptive– survey, in 2008 all faculty members of all university departments of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (706 people) as the study population were studied. Stratify random sampling was performed to determine 210 persons. The data collection tool was made by the researcher and its validity and reliability were proofed using content validity and Cronbach's alpha Coefficient (r = 0.92) respectively. Data were analyzed using statistical indicators such as mean, variance, standard deviation, t-test and Tukey test via SPSS software.Results: Research findings showed that the mean score of knowledge, attitude and performance of faculty members is higher than average. The members with master's and PhD degree had less knowledge than post doctorate members. The knowledge of members with 5 years services higher than the members with 10-20 years services. The knowledge of members with 5-10 years services higher than the members over 20 years services. The men faculty members had better attitude toward women and the assistant professors had better attitude toward associate professors in web– based education. The attitudes of PhD and post doctorate are better than members with master's degree. The associate professors attitudes had better than lecture members. The performance of members with PhD and post doctorate degree had better than members with master's degree. The performance of associate members had better than the master's degree. The members with less than 5 years services in compare with 10-20 years services had better.Conclusion: Progress of science and technology in the era of attention to the importance of e-Learning is a remarkable and organizations for their survival variable environmental conditions must be compatible. Development Network World Wide Web, higher education institutions also need to network facilities used in teaching and faculty members of these institutions of knowledge and skills needed for using technology in education and development of higher education are entitled.Keywords: Programmed Instruction; Awareness; Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Universities.
Original Article(s)
Jafar Mehrad; Marzieh Goltaji
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the correlation between journal self–citation and impact factor in medical subject category through those scientific journals indexed in published journal citation reports (PJCR) of Islamic World Science Citation Database (ISC) during 2001-2007.The purpose was ...
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Introduction: This study investigated the correlation between journal self–citation and impact factor in medical subject category through those scientific journals indexed in published journal citation reports (PJCR) of Islamic World Science Citation Database (ISC) during 2001-2007.The purpose was to recognize journal self–citation and find its correlation with impact factor. It is common to find some journal self–citations among all citations of a journal. As high rate of self–citation puts journal at a high rank, calculation of impact factor regardless of self–citation seems to be essential.Methods: Citation analysis was used to conduct this research. The population of this study included 309 ISC's PJCR medical journals with impact factor during 2001-2007. To do this, data from the 2001-2007 PJCR was extracted (journals with impact factor). Using ISC’s PJCR and choosing the year and the field of medical sciences, the journals with impact factor were shown and also using citing journals option, the list of citing journals to the specific journal was displayed. Then, using the list of number of self-citations and effective self-citations on impact factor, the data were analyzed via SPSS software version 16 (Pearson Correlation test).Results: A significant correlation between impact factor and journal self–citation was found (r = 0.556, P < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated a negative relationship between impact factor and number of articles (r = -0.350, P < 0.001). There was not any significant relation between the number of articles and journal self–citation (r = 0.068, P = 0.233). Journal self–citation rate in medical sciences field during 2001-2007 has found a descending process. After removing journal self–citation, the rank of 100 journals descended, of 192 journals ascended, and the rank of 17 journals did not accept any change.Conclusion: The findings of the research showed that journals with high impact factor had more self-citation; which means self-citation has a positive effect on journal impact factor. Considering the fact that self-citation in medical sciences in compare with other fields has a higher rate, and this high rate of self-citation causes journals not put on the real position, editors and publishers must revise the selection policy of papers.Keywords: Publications, Periodicals, Citation.
Original Article(s)
Mohsen Rezaeian
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Different studies were so far carried out on the scientific productions of Iran within the biomedical field. None of these studies were investigated this issue in a long term period and therefore, the present study was carried out in order to determine the contribution of Iran to the biomedical ...
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Introduction: Different studies were so far carried out on the scientific productions of Iran within the biomedical field. None of these studies were investigated this issue in a long term period and therefore, the present study was carried out in order to determine the contribution of Iran to the biomedical researches of the world based on the analysis of PubMed papers during 1997 to 2006.Methods: In this survey, the PubMed search engine was investigated through the years 1997-2006. By adopting a two-stage search strategy, all the articles divided into two categories i.e. those articles which their first or corresponding author was/was not from Iran. In the next step, the populations of Iran and world in three periods i.e. 1995, 2000 and 2005 were determined using the United Nations website. All data were entered into Excel software and the number of articles in each year was separately divided by the number of articles in baseline (1997). Similarly, the number of populations in two mentioned periods was separately divided by the number of populations in baseline (1995).Results: Although the growth percentage of both Iran and world publications were continuously increased compared to baseline year, the growth was much higher for Iranian publications (1.65% for the world vs. 19.38% for Iran in 2006 compared with 1997). Similarly, the growth percentage of both Iran and world populations were also continuously increased compared to baseline year; however, the growth was higher for world populations (1.14% for the world vs. 1.12% for Iran in 2005 compared with 1995).Conclusion: The growing trend of Iranian publications in comparison with world publications within the recent decade is an important issue seems that does not relate to the growing trend of Iranian populations. Nevertheless, the comparison between the qualities of Iranian scientists' publications with world scientists' publications is another important issue that needs to be studied further.Keywords: Iran; Research; Databases; Evaluation Studies.
Original Article(s)
Saeideh Ebrahimi; Abdolrasool Jowkar
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: To prepare a basis for qualitative promotion of scientific publications of Iran’s universities of medical science, this survey studied quality and quantity of scientific production of these universities in a ten year period employing scientometrics qualitative and quantitative indicators.Methods: ...
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Introduction: To prepare a basis for qualitative promotion of scientific publications of Iran’s universities of medical science, this survey studied quality and quantity of scientific production of these universities in a ten year period employing scientometrics qualitative and quantitative indicators.Methods: In this survey, the study population was the total number of Iranian universities of medical science that had publications in ISI Web of Science Database. Sampling, on the basis of Garfield research, was done in non parametric method. Nineteen universities of medical science with at least 25 publications, from total 42 universities of medical science in Iran, were selected. The source of data collecting was Web of Science database and the tools of data collecting were citation analysis and search system of database; data were gathered in for aspects: production, citation, citation impact, and percentage of cited documents. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS software.Results: Ranking universities based on qualitative and quantitative criteria were different. The rate of overlap between lists of the best universities based on four indicators was 25%. Mashhad University of Medical Science was the sole university attended in lists of the best universities based on four indicators.Conclusion: Difference between ranking universities on the basis of qualitative and quantitative indicators indicates that qualitative evaluation parallel to quantitative evaluation should be considered for scientific assessing of these universities.Keywords: Universities; Evaluation; Databases; Indicators; Information Evaluation.
Original Article(s)
Seyed Hossein Mirjalili
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: There are numerous research projects in the field of medicine every year; however only few of them are so important that are frequently cited by others. In the current research, the most cited authors, organizations and countries which had an outstanding role in advancing clinical medicine ...
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Introduction: There are numerous research projects in the field of medicine every year; however only few of them are so important that are frequently cited by others. In the current research, the most cited authors, organizations and countries which had an outstanding role in advancing clinical medicine during 1981-91 were identified. The relationship and coverage of the results for clinical medicine and other disciplines was also investigated.Methods: In this descriptive research, the Highly-cited, a product of Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), was used as a tool for gathering the required data. The data were analyzed using MS-Excel.Results: ISI had introduced 265 researchers from 16 countries as the most cited authors in the field of clinical medicine. United States with 200 (75.47%) authors came first followed by UK with 28 (10.57 %) and Japan with 7 (2.64%) authors. Two universities in the United States, Texas and California universities, with 15 and 11 authors, had the first and second positions respectively. Sixty authors out of 265 (22.64%) were also introduced as the most cited researchers in non-clinical medicine. These researchers were also identified as preeminent researchers in another eight subfields with “Immunology” having the highest share.Conclusion: The findings show that the most efficient authors are from United States, so that their impact factor is 3.9 and 22.2 times greater than that of the European and Asian countries respectively.Keywords: Clinical Medicine; Citation; Communication; Academics and Institutes.
Original Article(s)
Nizal Sarrafzadegan; Mousa Alavi; Katayoun Rabiei; Heidarali Abedi; Ahmad Bahonar; Sonia Zarfeshani
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Evaluation of interventional community-based initiatives is a basic issue for improvement and management of programs toward the goals of the health system. This paper presents the qualitative part of the process evaluation (PE) of a community-based educational program entitled Isfahan Healthy ...
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Introduction: Evaluation of interventional community-based initiatives is a basic issue for improvement and management of programs toward the goals of the health system. This paper presents the qualitative part of the process evaluation (PE) of a community-based educational program entitled Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) conducted for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. PE of IHHP aimed to shed insight about implementing interventions; guiding program management and corrective decision makings have been done respectively. Methods: In this qualitative survey, the study population consisted of policy-makers, managers, principal practitioners and their coworkers as well as stakeholders of IHHP. The study was directed in the same place as practicing interventional projects located in Isfahan province. It was begun in 2005 and data analysis phase was completed in 2008. The data were collected through conducting interview with a purposive sample of 60 participants and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis method. Results: Qualitative data were categorized in several headings. Four of the most important headings were as experiences of resources, attitude towards interventions, motivating factors and consistent partnership. Conclusion: Emphasizing on usefulness of qualitative data in process evaluation of IHHP, findings of the present study disclosed some of the effective underpinning factors that the most important of them was described as “executive level human factors”. The study findings emphasized on the vital role of the resources, nevertheless “accepting” the used resources as well interventions specifically on behalf of managers and executive agents were primarily affected by their humanistic qualities such as attitude and willingness to moving towards aimed change. Accepting the program in behalf of users, specifically executive agents, must be considered in such a vast community-based educational program. Keywords: Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Health Education; Management.
Original Article(s)
Shirin Abbasi; Abdolmajid Khayambashi
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Utilization of information system in management is necessary. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is one of suggested tools in Quality management system. In this study, processes of medical record unit in Gharazi hospital (Isfahan) are studied using SPC tools.Methods: It is a descriptive, ...
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Introduction: Utilization of information system in management is necessary. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is one of suggested tools in Quality management system. In this study, processes of medical record unit in Gharazi hospital (Isfahan) are studied using SPC tools.Methods: It is a descriptive, Retrospective and trend study which was carried out by assembling indicators for some processes in medical record unit from 2003 to 2008.After Library studies, suggested indicators by experts (for Process controlling) were collected through 2 checklists. For quantitative indicators of medical records evaluation, all admitted patients during study period and for time assessing about 1500 patients were chosen randomly. Data were analyzed using Excel software.Results: Findings showed that during study period, the average time for patient discharge order (by doctors) was at 9:54 a.m. and patients waiting time in discharge process decreased (with the average of 53 minutes). In quantitative evaluation of medical records deficits, accepted fault rate (or the base line) consumed as about 6%.Conclusion: Gharazi Hospital tries to control tolerance of its processes by using SPC tools and maintaining some internal standards as baselines. These baselines may be shared with other hospitals and help to produce national and regional standards.Keywords: Medical Records; Hospitals; Statistics; Patient Admission; Surveys; Performance Assessment.
Original Article(s)
Javad Monzavi Barzoki; Ahmadreza Raeisi; Sakineh Saghaeiannejad Isfahani; Nahid Tavakoli
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Formation of professional associations is one point of inflection in the health care industry. Health Information Management Association in developed countries originally initiated its activities in the profession of medical records as Medical Records Librarians Association and later changed ...
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Introduction: Formation of professional associations is one point of inflection in the health care industry. Health Information Management Association in developed countries originally initiated its activities in the profession of medical records as Medical Records Librarians Association and later changed to Medical Record Association. This study aimed to compare structure, function and activities of Health Information Management Association in selected countries and Iran.Methods: This was a descriptive comparative study in cross-sectional method. The research sample included Health Information Management Association in Australia (HIMAA), United States of America (AHIMA) and Canada (CHIMA) as pioneer countries in initiation of Health Information Management Association and also Medical Record Association of Iran (IMRA). Related data about structural and functional entities was collected through the library investigation, internet and communication with research sample associations via email according to collection forms.Results: The structural and functional elements and entities of the Health Information Management Associations in the selected countries are mostly similar, although they had some differences. Canadian Health Information Management Association Board of Director’s is communal with Canadian College of Health Information Management. Type of association memberships in Australia is different with other associations. Vision and values of HIMAA and IMRA have not been identified and written. In comparison with the other associations, AHIMA has various and multiple activities in provide services to its members. Continuing education and certification in various scope is one of major the activities of AHIMA.Conclusion: commensurate with done Changes in the Health Information Management Profession, the Association of this Profession in countries of Australia, United States and Canada has experienced a lot of change in the structure and activities of their associations accordingly. Position of inspector only existed in Iran's Medical Record Association. In comparison with other association, Iran Medical Record Association with fifteen years of history had not had a lot of systematic and integrated activities. Review of Structural and functional entities and activities of this association, seems necessary.Keywords: Societies; Information Management; Health; Performance.
Original Article(s)
Amirabbas Azizi; Abazar Hajavi; Hamid Haghani; Mahdie Shojaei Baghini
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Electronic Medical Records has of practically paved the way to centralize information without being worried about physical space. Although Iran, from technological point of view, is able to compete with developed countries, it has fallen because of Medical Records technology. In this study, ...
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Introduction: Electronic Medical Records has of practically paved the way to centralize information without being worried about physical space. Although Iran, from technological point of view, is able to compete with developed countries, it has fallen because of Medical Records technology. In this study, hospital information systems in educational hospitals in Tehran province were compared with the criteria of American College of Physicians to specify the shortcomings and ultimately some recommendations were offered to develop national criteria to the level of those of the above mentioned college.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2006. The research population included all educational hospitals of Iran (14 Hospitals), Tehran (12 Hospitals) and Shahid Beheshti (9 Hospitals) Universities. Since all of the related hospitals were studied, no sampling was done. Data collection was done through direct observation and interview. Using 9 checklists based on the criteria of American College of Physicians (including pharmacies, laboratories, radiology and medical records departments, and clinical wards). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics via SPSS software.Results: The average conformity in the medical records departments in Iran, Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Medical Sciences Universities was 29.1, 25.6, 29.7, in pharmacies 39.7, 39.3, 36.8, in radiology departments 36.4, 36.8, 37.7, in laboratories 38.3, 37.2, 29.8, in referral features 38.7, 39, 34.5, in clinical interactions 33.1, 32.5, 29.2, in preventive medicine 38.2, 36.7, 33.9, in patient education 37.1, 36.6, 37.7 and 38.7, 43.4, 39.6 in diagnostic features, respectively.Conclusion: The rate of final conformity in hospital information systems in educational hospitals to the criteria of the American College of Physician indicated that the total average of medical records systems is less than 50 ( < 50). On the other hand, since the total average of medical records systems is less than 50, it is concluded that rate of conformity in medical records systems of educational hospital of Tehran province is low.Keywords: Criteria; Hospital Information System; Hospitals; Teaching.
Original Article(s)
Azamossadat Hosseini; Hamid Moghaddasi; Maryam Jahanbakhsh
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: Measurement of diabetes management effectiveness includes the process of care and its quality, health outcome and response to care before everything; it needs a conceptual framework about this universal disease. Minimum Data Set (MDS) of diabetes make this framework by using standard data ...
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Introduction: Measurement of diabetes management effectiveness includes the process of care and its quality, health outcome and response to care before everything; it needs a conceptual framework about this universal disease. Minimum Data Set (MDS) of diabetes make this framework by using standard data element with unique definition and effectiveness indicators preparation of diabetes management. Therefore, this research was accomplished to study the MDS of diabetes as diabetes management effectiveness indicators in America, Australia, Scotland, and Finland and also, presentation of model for Iran.Methods: This research was an applied descriptive study. At first, we used a questionnaire and checklist to study MDS of diabetes in Tehran; then in selected countries, MDS of diabetes was assessed by published and electronic literatures and at the end, the proposed model was designed in accordance to country's needs taking discerning people attitude upon it by Delphi technique. A data analysis in study stage of MDS of diabetes in the selective countries was done by comparative tables and determination of similarities and differences of the MDS. In the stage of gaining credit for model, it accomplished with descriptive statistics to the extent of absolute and relative frequency.Results: MDS of diabetes for Iran presented in 12 forms and diabetes management effectiveness indicators on base of studying in America, Australia, Scotland, and Finland countries and needs of our country and after doing Delphi technique with 98 percent agreement confirmed.Conclusion: MDS provides continuous care of patients, communication among providers and analysis of patient and patient society care effectiveness. So, it causes decrease of threatening diabetic complications. Collection of MDS of diabetes increases the quality of care assessment and effectiveness indicators for management of care process, quality of services, and health outcome.Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Managerial Effectiveness; Data; Drawing; Indicators.
Original Article(s)
Fereshteh Farzianpour; Hossein Dargahi; Nahid Eynolahi; Sara Aghababa
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: The internal evaluation is a process to improve the quality of the education using the collection and judgment of data. Considering some principles about educational measurement and data collection causes better recognizing of this process. In this study, we conducted the internal evaluation ...
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Introduction: The internal evaluation is a process to improve the quality of the education using the collection and judgment of data. Considering some principles about educational measurement and data collection causes better recognizing of this process. In this study, we conducted the internal evaluation of Department of Health Care Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, which is responsible for training healthcare management students; in this study, we used the opinion poll of university lecturers, students and graduates, and evaluated their system of education in 2006. Their aim was to remodel and adjust their educational system with the society's needs and to promote the quality of such education.Methods: The methodology was descriptive and cross sectional that implemented applied manner in 2006 and in Department of Health Care Management. All the research population filled a questionnaire with these factors considered with criteria and indicators: missions’ statement and goals; management and organizational structure; faculty board members; students; training and learning process; educational course and curriculum; graduated students; educational and research facilities and equipments; and research. At least, gathered data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and SPSS software tools.Results: In findings, maximum utility was faculty board members factor with 3.53 out of 5 points (70%), and minimum utility was for research factor with 2.4 of 5 points (36.6%).Conclusion: Consideration of factors, studied educational faculty was rather utilized. The analysis of SWOTs show that studied educational school can obtain upper points in later evaluations.Keywords: Educational Measurement; Health Services Administration; Universities.
Original Article(s)
Sayed Aliakbar Ahmadi; Azade Alavi; Ali Safdarian
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Introduction: One of the reasons for the maintenance of each organization to increase its productivity is having the consistency in values and beliefs and its overall organizational culture. Therefore, for any organization that seeks to achieve some kind of advantage, it must be ensured to the existing ...
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Introduction: One of the reasons for the maintenance of each organization to increase its productivity is having the consistency in values and beliefs and its overall organizational culture. Therefore, for any organization that seeks to achieve some kind of advantage, it must be ensured to the existing organizational culture and also, attention to practical solutions for creating coherence in its as main priorities should be paid. The purpose of this study was survey on the components of organizational culture at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Methods: This was a descriptive survey in which library methods such as books and scientific journals were used for literature review to achieve the information. Researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. Formal validity of questionnaire was confirmed by the number of professors and experts, and its reliability by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to be equal 80 and 90% for existing and optimum conditions, respectively. The study was included 1670 people of all headquarters staff, deputies, and faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The questionnaire was distributed among 160 people; using simple random sampling. The inferential statistical methods were used for analysis and testing hypotheses.Results: There was a significant difference between the existing and desired organizational culture elements.Conclusion: Findings showed that the situation of organizational culture at the university requires review and reform and has significant difference with desirable status.Keywords: Culture; Universities; Organization and Administration.
Narrative Review
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Hospital with different departments and information processing plans and also professional healthcare staff from different fields, need inter and intra- organizational communication. In addition, treatment method of every patient is unique. Healthcare organizations faced with coordination challenges ...
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Hospital with different departments and information processing plans and also professional healthcare staff from different fields, need inter and intra- organizational communication. In addition, treatment method of every patient is unique. Healthcare organizations faced with coordination challenges and they do not apply workflow management technologies yet. To identify current challenges in healthcare, it is necessary that organizational process be separated of care process. Managing organizational process includes identify rules and definite relation of every section with others. In this regard, it seemed that use of work flow management system (WFMS) is the suitable method. Managing care process is done by evidence-based medicine (EBM) and clinical guidelines. Although, organizational process relies on static models of patient care process based on medical knowledge that is evolutes so fast. Health care information systems, such as HIS, have to support of organizational and treatment process separately. Overall, goal of applying information technology (IT) in support of clinical process is not just control of healthcare period, though it is used to reduce workload and promote decision-making. In this article, method of managing workflow for organizational and care process was studied separately and suitable information technology tools for supporting each process with mention of examples has presented. Keywords: Evidence-Based Medicine; Hospital Information System; Information Technology; Organization and Administration.
Short Communication(s)
Shafi Habibi; Peyman Rezaeihachesoo; Razieh Tabaghi
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010
Abstract
Effective clinical care requires nurses to obtain the capability of putting the research findings into application. During the recent years, evidence-based nursing (EBN) has proved itself as a way for health care and therapy based on new findings being used in clinical care practices. However, studies ...
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Effective clinical care requires nurses to obtain the capability of putting the research findings into application. During the recent years, evidence-based nursing (EBN) has proved itself as a way for health care and therapy based on new findings being used in clinical care practices. However, studies show that nurses have problem in evidence-based practice application the most of which reveals itself in finding the best evidence, identifying proper resources, using the best search strategies, and evaluating documents and evidence. In fact, they lack enough competencies in acquiring information literacy. Information literacy means perceiving information organization, the ability of searching and finding the best results from various printed and electronic resources, selecting proper resources and evaluating them properly, and establishing connections with research results. Seeking assistance from medical librarians and information scientists -as developers of educational courses, educators or providers of information in the field- in educational process, helps to train clinical staff with information literacy and turn them into consumers of research articles. The aim of this article was to identify effective elements in evidence-based nursing and the role of information literacy in promotion of it. Also the article offers some information literacy patterns in improving evidence-based nursing used in the world which has been chosen with review method.Keywords: Literacy; Development; Nursing; Awareness; Information.
