Journal of

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Background: The Pabon Laso Model is one of the most important models of evaluating efficiency. Many studies are implemented with this model in Iranian hospitals. This study aimed to review related articles with systemic review and meta-analysis method.
Materials and Methods: The data was gathered using related keywords in databases such as IranMedex, MagIran, IranDoc, Medlib, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Scopus. The articles were searched during 2001 to 2015. Inclusion criteria were determined as articles published in Persian and English, Pointing at least one of three criteria Pabon Lasso model in Iran and access to full-text articles. Exclusion criteria were articles other than hospital performance assessment, and articles which presented as conferences event, case reports, letters to the editor and educational articles. Meta-analysis method was used for calculating Pabon Lasso indices. CMA: 2(Comprehensive Meta-Analysis) was utilized.
Results: 27 articles out of 396 articles were reviewed. The results of 348 hospitals had shown 79.9(22.9%), 76.8(21.7%), 117.8(33.8%), and 74.6(21.4%) of hospitals were in areas one, two, three, and four, respectively. The average of length of stay, bed occupancy, and bed turnover were 3.4 (3-3.7, 95% CI), 63 (41-95,95% CI), and 78.4 (71.8-85.2, 95% CI) per year, respectively.
Conclusion: Study results revealed that only one-third of hospitals were in area three in Pabon Lasso model. The performance status of three fields were average in the length of stay (approximately standard), bed occupancy (upper than standard), and bed turnover (lower than standard).
 

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Background: Insurance companies sometimes do not reimburse hospitals completely. Reducing the amount of deduction of bills increases hospital’s income and efficiency. This study compares the deductions imposed by social insurance organization on Imam Khomeini hospital’s bills before and after the implementation of health transformation plan.
 
Material and Methods: Data of this descriptive-descriptive study calculated from the deductions applied to the hospital of outpatient and inpatient bills of social insurance organization in second six months of 2013 (before implementation of health transformation plan) and the same time of 2014 (after implementation of of health transformation plan). This quasi experimental study was conducted using the data. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using paired t test.
 
Results: The bill deductions in the second six months of 2013 compare to the same time in 2014 were 2.9 and 11.1 percent, respectively. Hospital bill deductions increased 282.8 percent after the health transformation plan implementation. The deductions on inpatients and outpatients records increased 6 and 12 times, respectively. Most deduction was imposed on surgical and laboratory bills in 2013 and on radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hoteling bills in 2014.
 
Conclusion: Deductions of hospital bills extremely increased from social insurance organization after implementation of health transformation plan. In order to identify deductions causes, providing related education to staff and physicians and relative process improvement are necessary.

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Background: The operating rooms in each health center are one of the most sensitive units in the center, whereas scheduling and scheduling operations are in particular importance and their optimization has a significant effect on the optimization of the whole complex. The scheduling of heart surgery in addition to the limitations of manpower, time, and facilities includes the limitation of the patient's surgical deadline, which is the purpose of the surgical scheduling given this parameter.
Materials and Methods: In this quantitative study, an algorithm containing 3 + 1 function was proposed. This algorithm also addresses uncertainty while monitoring the limitations of available resources and the maximum delay for surgery. In this study, patients categorize to emergency and non-emergency patients which only the scheduling of non-emergency patients is considered. In this study 343 patient was studied.
Results: Based on a six-month period information reviewing from Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular Center in Tehran, a 11% improvement has been made in respecting the maximum delay for the patient's referral process. The optimization rate is often related to the difference in patient selection based on their deadline for surgery, which in the present algorithm has been a major contributor to the denial of service patients. Another advantage of the proposed algorithm is the dynamic process of the algorithm and appropriate response to the changes.
 Conclusion: The longer the length of the queue, the lower the chance of accepting non-emergency patients with the shorter maximum delays.

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Background: Women's health has a broad concept that various biological, social, political, economic and environmental factors affect it. This study aimed to prioritize the factors affecting women's health promotion, provide a model for decision making and choose the best option for decision makers and health system planners to achieve the goal of promoting women's health.
 
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the factors affecting women's health were extracted based on theoretical background and Farmehr's conceptual model. Then, the points of view of five women's health experts on the criteria and options of the model were collected and analyzed using paired comparison tables and Likert measure, and analyzed according to the hierarchical decision-making process. After analyzing the experts 'opinion individually, two methods of computing the geometric meanings and the experts' opinions were combined and the priorities were determined based on group views. The Excel software was utilized to perform the calculations.
 
Results: Among the four main factors, priorities included the individual factors (subcategory of lifestyle), family factors (family relationships) and underlying factors (attitudes and beliefs). In the first level of decision making related to intervention methods in women's health promotion, the multidisciplinary approach was determined; and in the second level of decision-making related to health management, the partnership of governmental and nongovernmental organizations established in the first priority.
 
Conclusion: Based on study results, designing and planning interventions with the prioritization of individual, family and infrastructure factors using multi-disciplinary approach and participation of governmental and nongovernmental organizations for promoting women's health are recommended.

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Background: The hospitals' reliance on insurer organizations' resources is increasing due to the growing number of insured persons. However, a relatively large share of these revenues cannot be collected for various reasons and is considered as hospital deductions from revenue. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the causes of hospital deductions from revenue and strategies to reduce them in hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted based on the phenomenological approach in 2017. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews consisting 17 finance experts in hospitals. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA version10 and analytical framework of Gale et al. (2013).
Results: Based on the framework analysis, two themes were identified as the underlying causes of hospital revenue deduction including direct causes and root causes of revenue deduction. Also, in order to reduce revenue deduction strategies, eight themes were recognized including interaction with insurance organizations;  analysis, assessment, and feedback on revenue deficit; coordination and empowerment of employees; proper organization of human resources; strengthening regulatory system, motivational strategies; good planning  and creating an organizational structure.
Conclusion: The revenue deductions occur in all stages of converting services into income and the most important factor is lack of staff awareness and incentive to control deductions. Contributions of all process owners in the hospital and insurers and in particular the commitment of hospital’s senior managers are necessary to control the deductions.
 

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Background: One of the main concerns of managers is work deviant behaviors of employees. Workplace deviance is voluntary behavior that violates significant norms and in so doing threatens the well-being of an organization, its members or both. The study aimed to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and organizational citizenship behavior with work deviant behaviors.
 
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive analytical one. This study was conducted on 290 employees (administrative workers and nurses) working in four selected hospitals in Tehran city including Shahid Motahati, Shahid Rajaii, Hazrat-E-Rasol, and Dr. Shariati. Sampling method was stratified random sampling method. Data collection instruments were three questionnaires including Schutte’s emotional intelligence, Padsakof organizational citizenship behavior, Bennett and Robinson’s work deviant behavior. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires has already been verified in studies before. Data analysis was performed using independent T-test, ANOVA, Tukey and parametric Pearson's Correlation Coefficient.
 
Results: Among demographic and organizational variables, There was a significant relationship between age and work deviant behavior (P=0.012). Reverse significant statistical relationship between emotional intelligence, organizational citizenship behavior and courtesy with work deviant behavior was observed (P=0.0001).
 
Conclusion: The study results revealed that personnel with higher emotional intelligence will have a more positive attitude and more allegiance and commitment toward the organization; therefore they will show more organizational citizenship behavior and less inclined to abuse in the workplace.
 

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Background: Activity-Based Costing Analyzes the Activities Performed in the Service Delivery Process and Accurately Identifies Costs to Improve The Performance and Efficiency of The Delivery Units and Calculates the Cost of Each Activity by Identifying Services and Activities. The Purpose of This Study Was to Calculate the Cost of Radiology Services Based on Activity Based Costing Method In Firooz Abadi Hospital.
 
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study conducted in 2018. Data were collected through interview with Hospital officials, direct observation and from existing documents in hospital. Data entry was done through Excel software and analyzed Based on activity-based costing system in eight steps.
 
Results: Based on the Findings of this Study, Four Types of Imaging Services Were Commonly Found In Firooz Abadi Hospital. From Total Radiology Costs, 79.3% Were Estimated to Be Related to Direct Costs and 20.7% to Indirect Costs. Finally, the Cost Per CT Scan Service Was 725,133 Rials, Mammography 608,054 Rials, Radiology 809,165 Rials and Ultrasound Service 512,692 Rials.
 
Conclusion: Results of the Study Indicated that Direct Costs accounted for most Costs in Radiology Unit, So Improving Performance and Policies in Health System, Particularly in Human Resource Management, Service Consumption Standardization and Staff Training Suggested to Cost Reduction.
 

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Background: Nosocomial Infections (Nis) Are Regarded As The Most Common Complications Of Health Cares. These Infections Affect Patient’s Safety in Developing and Developed Countries. The Aim Of This Study Was To Epidemiology and Determine the Causes of Nosocomial Infectioin Teaching Hospital of Tehran In A Teaching Hospital In Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This Cross-Sectional, Descriptive And Analytical Study Was Designed In 2019 At A Teaching Hospital Affiliated With Iran University Of Medical Sciences. The Nosocomial Infection Registry Data between 2017 and 2018 Was Used. The SPSS24.0 Software Package Was Used To Analyze Data Into Descriptive (Frequency, Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation( And Analytical) ANOVA) Statistics.
Result: The Most Frequent Type of Infections Were Urinary Tract (39.76%), Ventilator Associated Events (20.92%), Bloodstream (20.71%), Respectively. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (0.7%) Had The Lowest Prevalence. The Highest Incidence Of Nosocomial Infection Was In The ICU With 200 Patients And The Lowest Incidence Was In The ENT With 23.1 Patients And The Overall Incidence Of Nosocomial Infections Was 84.9 Patients Per 10,000 Patient-Days.

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Background: This study aimed to explore the process of establishing a non-governmental and nonprofit  hospital, as a corporate infantry, and a model for the establishment of autonomous and corporate hospitals.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative case study. The data were collected by interviewing the founders of Moheb Mehr Hospital, staff and some university officials and charity organizations. The data analysis was conducted based on grounded theory principles and data were coded in three stages of open, axial and selective coding.
Results: The primary factors behind the establishment of Moheb Hospital were the low level of physicians' fees and the physicians’ dual practice in the public and private sectors. The existence of unused spaces at Hashemi-Nejad Hospital and the possibility of contracting supplementary insurance were the secondary factors. The reaction included welcoming from hospital physicians and opposition from the government and the Ministry of Health. A good patient access was created due to the lower charges, in comparison to the private sector, and having contract with the supplementary insurance. The negative comments from the government and the Ministry were gradually adjusted.
Conclusion: The decentralization initiatives of the public sector in hospitals should be considered as a bottom-up process. Instead of turning government hospitals into independent or corporate, it is better to re-establish them in an autonomous or corporate form. Also, before any decentralization action, financial and managerial stability must be created in the organizations. Morevoer, employee benefits must be preserved. Instead of receiving government funding, it is better to use the capacity of the endowment and receive bank loans.
 

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Background & Aim: Regarding the chronic course of obstructive pulmonary disease and multiple problems which it brings to individuals and the community in terms of physical, mental, and economic aspects; this study aimed to investigate the role of life-style factors in disease exacerbation and hospitalization among COPD patients.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive, prospective study of outpatients with COPD in a tertiary care clinic. To collect data, a demographic questionnaire (including age, gender, marital status, occupation, and educational level), an international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), and a mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) tool were used. Disease severity was also determined by Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) index.
Results: A total of 128 patients (78.1% male) were recruited with a mean age of 65.3+11.9 years. Findings revealed significant correlations among physical activity level of patients and their nutrition, smoking behavior, BMI, and disease exacerbation. In fact patients with older age, lower BMI, smoking habit for a long time, and limited physical activity were more probable to face with disease exacerbation and hospitalization.
Conclusion: Evidence suggests that adoption of health promotion strategies and emphasis on health based approaches can be helpful in reducing hospitalization among COPD patients. Due to their effectiveness and low cost, such policies are regarded as cost effective strategies in dealing with chronic diseases.
 

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Background: Public-private partnership (PPP) in constructing and operating hospitals is a good strategy to provide high quality services to people at lower cost for the government.  However, PPP is facing several challenges. The objective of this research was to identify and explore the PPP challenges in building Moheb Yas hospital in Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach was used for this case study in 2018. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 key stakeholders, managers and employees who were involved in PPP initiative implementation using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis.  
Results: Moheb Yas hospital was built in the yard of a public hospital (Co-location PPP) by the private entity. Then, the public hospital was moved into the private hospital. The new hospital was transferred to the government after one year owing to some challenges. These challenges include an inappropriate PPP model, low government capacity and competency in PPP, low trust in private partner, difficulty in funding the project, demolishing the old building, applying for hospital licences, merging two public and private hospitals, and difficulties in equipping the new hospital with human and physical resources.
Conclusion: The PPP was not successful in this case. Although PPP initiatives have benefits for the health system, but, it comes with numerous challenges especially in developing countries owing to disparate goals, incentives, and management practices of public and private sectors. The research findings provide useful insights for policy makers and senior managers in health systems in similar countries about the main barriers of PPP initiatives in the health sectors.

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Background and Aim: Burnout is one of the most important factors that reduces the productivity of personnel. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between human resources management functions and job burnout from the perspective of managers and staff of deputy of Health in Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: Subjects of this cross-sectional study consisted of 657 managers and staff members of deputy of Health in Iran University of Medical Sciences that 242 individuals were selected according to Morgan's table as the study population. Research data were collected using two questionnaires of burnout and human resources management functions.
Results: 174 (70.7%) participants in the study were women, with mean age and work experience of 41.3 and 15.8 respectively and a standard deviation of 7.35 years. 78.9% of married people and 69.1% of the participants were dissatisfied with the status of their salaries. The dimensions of consequential evaluation, transparent job description and comprehensive training with averages of 4.17, 4.12 and 4.03 out of 7 had the highest score among the various dimensions of human resources functions. Different dimensions of burnout showed that the highest mean was related to feelings of personal inadequacy and depersonalization (4.72). The results of the Pearson correlation test showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between human resources management functions and burnout with a correlation coefficient of -0.439 (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Job burnout can be significantly reduced with the improvement of human resources management functions.

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Background and aim: Having weakness and lethargy and feeling the need for hospital emergency services is one of the most important reasons for patients to go to hospital emergency rooms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between morbidity and mortality of patients with weakness and lethargy.
Method: The present study was conducted in an observational and prospective manner in the emergency department of Rasool Akram and Firouzgar hospitals. The patients were divided into 5 groups by the evaluation team in the emergency triage unit using the international valid triage tool "Emergency Severity Index (ESI)". The patients were followed up for 2 months after the time of discharge and the patient's condition was examined in terms of illness, health or death.
Result: Between levels 1 and 2 (patients with high severity conditions) and 3 (patient needs two or more emergency facilities in case of no disturbance in vital signs), level 3 had the highest frequency of referrals (61.9%). 90.7% had an underlying disease and 66.1% of the patients were taking medication at the time of visit. 11% of patients died in the first visit. In the initial follow-up, 23.7% of people were still sick, 40.7% had recovered and 17.8% had died.
Conclusion: According to results in the final follow-up, 3.9% of people were still sick; the rate of recovered patients in the final follow-up was 44.1% and the percentage of deaths in the final follow-up was 24.6%. The high mortality rate indicates that the patients' concern was not due to weakness and lethargy, but due to a dangerous underlying disease that forced them to go to the hospital.

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Background: Corona virus is a phenomenon that has faced the world with a crisis due to its rapid spread and uncontrollable nature. Although this crisis is only related to the medicine and health system, it is a multidimensional phenomenon whose effects and consequences can be observed and tracked in various economic, social, and political fields. The purpose of this article is to investigate the results of the Corona Virus on the environment.
Materials & Methods: The current study is a scoping review article that was performed based on the collection of information from articles published in the databases ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed in the period from 2019 to 2022 with the aim of investigating the consequences of the Corona crisis on the environment.
Results: The findings of this research illustrate that the corona virus crisis and the quarantine conditions have brought many consequences for the environment. On the one hand, as a result of the cessation of many human activities, there is a significant reduction in the emission of pollutants, including greenhouse gases, and on the other hand, waste, especially medical and plastic waste, has increased.
Conclusion: Despite the positive effects of Covid-19 on environmental factors, its short-term and long-term negative effects are obvious. In addition, it seems that the economic activity of country will intensify after Corona, and therefore, with a comprehensive analysis of the effects of Covid-19 on several sectors, significant proceedings should be taken in this field.

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Background and purpose: Supplementary health insurance plays a pivotal role in the health economy and individual payments, enhancing access to health services and improving individual quality of life. This study aims to explore the challenges and strategies for developing supplementary health insurance.
Methods: This systematic review examined research related to the challenges and strategies for the development of supplementary health insurance in various countries, focusing on articles published in the last five years in both domestic and international databases. For each article, a data extraction form was completed, and the data were subsequently classified, summarized, and analyzed.
Results: Seventeen articles met the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria and were analyzed. The main challenges and strategies for developing supplementary health insurance were identified across seven primary themes: premium and financing, electronic infrastructure, quality improvement, moral hazards and adverse selection, cost-effectiveness and efficiency, evidence-based decision-making, and effective awareness and advertising.
Conclusion: Considering the numerous identified challenges and barriers in the development of supplementary health insurance, it is recommended to focus on creating electronic infrastructures and necessary platforms to enhance and develop policies in supplementary health insurance, particularly in the dimensions of service packages, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency

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Background and purpose: Iran is ranked among the top ten nations in the world for hosting a large number of migrants and refugees. During the COVID-19 outbreak, refugees and migrants were among the most vulnerable groups. This study aimed to investigate the extent of healthcare service utilization by refugees and migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare centers affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran. The research environment included all healthcare networks and general and specialized hospitals. Data were collected through document review and registered information in the Sina system. All provided services were categorized into four groups: primary care, outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services. Data analysis was performed using the Chow test and Interrupted Time Series model with the Wats and Sctest software packages in R version 4.3.0.
Results: The decrease in utilization of outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services by refugees and migrants was significant (P-value < 0.001), whereas the decrease in primary care services was not significant. Additionally, after the onset of COVID-19, only the utilization of inpatient services showed a significant increasing trend (P-value < 0.013).
Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of all healthcare services by refugees and migrants, including primary, outpatient, emergency, and inpatient care, decreased. It is recommended to provide complete insurance coverage for refugees, offer free treatment for impoverished refugees, increase awareness among refugees to encourage greater use of health services, reduce existing social and economic barriers, and facilitate interaction between healthcare providers and refugees.

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Background and purpose: As health resources face increasing constraints, the use of medical imaging services has risen significantly. On average, diagnostic services account for approximately 10% of total healthcare expenditures, and this figure is steadily increasing. This study aims to identify the causes of irrational utilization of medical imaging services and propose corrective measures.
Methods: This descriptive-survey research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a comprehensive literature review was performed using both international and national databases, covering the period from 1990 to November 2021. Relevant studies were identified using specific keywords. In the second phase, a semi-structured questionnaire was developed, and a series of in-depth interviews with experts and professionals were conducted. Data were analyzed using the six-step thematic approach by Braun and Clarke, utilizing MAXQDA software.
Results: A total of 605 studies were initially identified, of which seven met the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening. In the second phase, 12 in-depth interviews were conducted, yielding 65 codes, which were organized into 12 themes. The identified themes included legal issues, conflict of interest, monitoring challenges, poor governance and stewardship, inappropriate policymaking and planning, financial incentives, inadequate service provision infrastructure, health culture, education and continuous training systems, financing and purchasing services, political factors, and inadequate insurance systems. Various strategies for controlling the inappropriate use of diagnostic and therapeutic services were proposed, including policy interventions, monitoring and evaluation, and training.
Conclusion: The irrational use of healthcare services is a significant challenge in many countries. Key contributing factors include incomplete insurance coverage, out-of-pocket payments by patients, defensive medical practices, and gaps in knowledge. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions and reforms.

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Background and purpose: In today’s competitive organizational landscape, the significance of recruiting and developing competent human resources has become paramount. Organizations not only aim to select and attract capable and efficient personnel but also seek to enhance and expand their capabilities. Consequently, the concept of meritocracy has become a key concern for modern organizations. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing succession planning in the leadership of healthcare organizations in Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis in 2020. The statistical population comprised key decision-makers and policymakers in successful and prominent Iranian organizations known for effective succession planning, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the public banking system. A total of 15 experts were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, with data collection continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were gathered through structured interviews, and the analysis and coding were performed using MAXQDA 11 software.
Results: The study identified five main themes: alignment of strategic goals and needs analysis, strategic communication and organizational structure, talent identification and empowerment, development and excellence of qualified individuals, and monitoring of succession planning programs. These were further divided into 13 sub-themes.
Conclusion: Organizations and managers should provide comprehensive support and demonstrate commitment to the effective implementation of succession planning programs. This will lead to improved organizational decisions and policies, ensuring that competent and qualified individuals are placed in key positions. Additionally, this approach will enhance work quality, boost employee motivation, reduce resource wastage, and improve career advancement opportunities for staff.

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Background and purpose: Given the interdisciplinary nature and multiple stakeholders involved in electronic prescribing systems, their implementation process encounters numerous complexities. This qualitative study aimed to explore and clarify the challenges associated with electronic prescribing and prescription dispensing systems.
Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted in 2021 (Iranian calendar: 1400). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 key informants from the treatment management sector and affiliated hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The collected data were analyzed using conventional content analysis methodology facilitated by MAXQDA 10 software.
Results: Approximately 350 initial codes were identified, which were categorized into four main themes with eight sub-themes: policy preparation (establishing a policy secretariat and achieving political consensus), policy formulation (developing policy content and advocacy), policy implementation (planning and executing policies), and policy evaluation (monitoring and evaluating policies).
Conclusion: Ensuring public health remains the ultimate goal of the healthcare system. Electronic transformation, particularly in establishing electronic health records, can significantly improve healthcare service quality. Integrated policymaking among the various institutions involved, enhancing technical and procedural infrastructure, human resource training, and societal cultural readiness are essential factors for the effective implementation of electronic prescription systems and the enhancement of healthcare quality.