Shahrzad Rasekhi, Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far, Abdosaleh Jafari,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background and purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the waiting time of patients referred to the emergency department and the factors affecting it in the country.
Methods: A search was conducted in the scientific databases PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Mag Iran and Civilica with the keywords waiting time, duration, emergency, Iran, etc. The Search period was up to 2024/02/06. After applying the search strategy, 26 studies were included in the study.
Results: The findings of the present review study (rapid review) showed that the average time from patient arrival in the emergency department to the first doctor's visit ranged from about 2 minutes to about 32 minutes, the average time from patient arrival in the emergency department to the first treatment ranged from 3.7 minutes to 262 minutes, the average time from request to the first test result was from 20.17 to 629.2 minutes, the average time from request to the first radiology result was from 5.85 to 1080 minutes, and the average time from request to the first ECG result was from 3.7 to 32.3 minutes. Also, the most important factors affecting the waiting time of patients referred to the emergency department included individual factors related to the patient, reason for referral, factors related to the hospital and emergency department, and factors related to human resources in the emergency department.
Conclusion: This study showed that patients' waiting time in the emergency department depends on various factors. To reduce it, improvements in triage, workforce management, the use of smart technologies, infrastructure enhancement, and patient education are recommended.
Forough Saraee, Fatemeh Zahra Ahmadi, Mahboube Gholami,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and purpose: The prevalence of mental health disorders among children and adolescents is on the rise, exerting profound effects on individual development, academic performance, and social well-being. This study aims to map the current landscape of mental health services for this demographic in Iran, identify existing challenges, and propose strategies to enhance service accessibility and quality.
Methods: This scoping review was conducted in 2025 using the six-stage framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. A comprehensive search was performed across international databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed) and national databases (MagIran, SID), as well as Google Scholar and relevant organizational websites (e.g., WHO, Ministry of Health and Medical Education). Data were extracted using a narrative approach and analyzed thematically.
Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review identified a multi-level service delivery system encompassing primary care, specialized care, school-based, community-based, family-based, and national-level interventions. These services utilized diverse modalities, including education, screening, and therapeutic interventions. Key barriers to effective service delivery included structural constraints (e.g., inefficient referral systems, resource scarcity), socio-cultural challenges (e.g., stigma, low public awareness), and human resource shortages (e.g., lack of specialists).
Conclusion: Leveraging the capacities of the primary healthcare network and the educational system, alongside workforce capacity building and public awareness initiatives, is essential for expanding access to and improving the quality of mental health services in Iran.
