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Hamidreza Khakrah, Mohammadreza Yazdankhahfard, Masoud Bahreini, Niloofar Motamed,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With the advancement of information and communication technology, telehealth has rapidly emerged as a new approach to delivering health-related care. Telenursing, a subset of telehealth, allows nurses to coordinate and manage care using communication technologies. Despite its significant potential, the adoption of telenursing in Iran has been limited, necessitating an examination of the factors that influence its implementation. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, including age, gender, marital status, education level, employment history, position, hospital of service, experience with telephone interviews, experience in responding to telephone consultation requests, and knowledge and experience in using telenursing systems, with nurses’ behavioral intention to accept and use this technology.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 with 281 nurses from two educational hospitals affiliated with Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, utilizing a complete enumeration method. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire and the Chang et al. questionnaire focusing on the behavioral intention domain. The reliability of the behavioral intention domain of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which was found to be 0.73. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, such as the mean and standard deviation, as well as inferential tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Spearman correlation coefficient. This analysis was performed with SPSS software. A significance level of less than 0.05 was used for all tests.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.30±7.46 years, and most of them were female and married. A significant relationship was observed between several demographic characteristics of the nurses and their behavioral intention to adopt telenursing. marital status (r=0.13, P=0.036), experience of conducting phone interviews with patients (r=0.20, P=0.001), experience of responding to phone consultation requests from patients or families (r=0.13, P=0.028), possession of knowledge and information about telenursing (r=0.26, P<0.001), and experience using the telenursing system (r=0.3, P<0.001), were all significantly associated with behavioral intention.
Conclusion: Telenursing, as one of the modern technologies of the present century, can be an effective solution to address the challenges of the healthcare system. The results of the study showed that some individual characteristics are related to the nurses’ behavioral intention to use this technology. To promote this technology, targeted training programs and supportive policies that address these factors are necessary.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 with 281 nurses from two educational hospitals affiliated with Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, utilizing a complete enumeration method. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire and the Chang et al. questionnaire focusing on the behavioral intention domain. The reliability of the behavioral intention domain of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which was found to be 0.73. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, such as the mean and standard deviation, as well as inferential tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Spearman correlation coefficient. This analysis was performed with SPSS software. A significance level of less than 0.05 was used for all tests.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.30±7.46 years, and most of them were female and married. A significant relationship was observed between several demographic characteristics of the nurses and their behavioral intention to adopt telenursing. marital status (r=0.13, P=0.036), experience of conducting phone interviews with patients (r=0.20, P=0.001), experience of responding to phone consultation requests from patients or families (r=0.13, P=0.028), possession of knowledge and information about telenursing (r=0.26, P<0.001), and experience using the telenursing system (r=0.3, P<0.001), were all significantly associated with behavioral intention.
Conclusion: Telenursing, as one of the modern technologies of the present century, can be an effective solution to address the challenges of the healthcare system. The results of the study showed that some individual characteristics are related to the nurses’ behavioral intention to use this technology. To promote this technology, targeted training programs and supportive policies that address these factors are necessary.
Alireza Seyfi Ardali, Yoones Shahbazi, Mohammad Javad Katani, Mehrdad Azarbarzin,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the effective types of psychotherapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression and improving mental health. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on the mental health of patients with a history of myocardial infarction hospitalized in hospitals in Kermanshah province in 2024.
Materials and Methods: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of implementation method, it is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction in hospitals in Kermanshah province, from whom 45 people were selected conveniently and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (three groups of 15 people). To collect the information required for the study, the Goldberg (2003) Demographic and Mental Health Questionnaire was used. SPSS statistical software and t-test and ANOVA statistical tests were used to analyze the research data.
Results: Out of a total of 45 participants, 29 were male (65.4%) and 16 were female (34.6%). The comparison of their mean mental health scores before the intervention in the pre-test and post-test was (64.8±11.18, 63.33±11.34), (62.6±12.22, 58.07±12.94) and (64.87±10.56, 61.87±10.59), respectively. Also, the results of the analysis of covariance test for comparing mental health in the acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive therapy groups showed that the F value obtained was 7.111 and its significance level was also smaller than 0.05 and was significant (P<0.05). As a result, both text-based acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy had a positive effect on the mental health of patients with a history of heart attack, and among them, the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy was higher.
Conclusion: Considering the lower mean scores of the ACT-based therapy group in the post-test, it can be concluded that it was more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy in increasing mental health.
Materials and Methods: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of implementation method, it is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction in hospitals in Kermanshah province, from whom 45 people were selected conveniently and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (three groups of 15 people). To collect the information required for the study, the Goldberg (2003) Demographic and Mental Health Questionnaire was used. SPSS statistical software and t-test and ANOVA statistical tests were used to analyze the research data.
Results: Out of a total of 45 participants, 29 were male (65.4%) and 16 were female (34.6%). The comparison of their mean mental health scores before the intervention in the pre-test and post-test was (64.8±11.18, 63.33±11.34), (62.6±12.22, 58.07±12.94) and (64.87±10.56, 61.87±10.59), respectively. Also, the results of the analysis of covariance test for comparing mental health in the acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive therapy groups showed that the F value obtained was 7.111 and its significance level was also smaller than 0.05 and was significant (P<0.05). As a result, both text-based acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy had a positive effect on the mental health of patients with a history of heart attack, and among them, the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy was higher.
Conclusion: Considering the lower mean scores of the ACT-based therapy group in the post-test, it can be concluded that it was more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy in increasing mental health.
Manizheh Mohammadi, Leila Nazarimanesh, Mozhgan Karimi,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Today, structural empowerment has been considered as one of the key factors in improving the performance of organizations, especially in the field of health and treatment. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between structural empowerment and entrepreneurial organizational culture of employees in health and treatment centers of Shahr Salem Company.
Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical study with an applied purpose, which is positivist in terms of research philosophy, with a deductive and quantitative approach, correlational in terms of research purpose, and cross-sectional in terms of time, and the data were collected using a survey method. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula to be 263 people and was selected using a stratified, simple, and questioning random method. Standard Kanter structural empowerment questionnaires and Cornwall and Baron entrepreneurial organizational culture questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed with SPSS and Smart PLS 3 software.
Results: The findings showed that structural empowerment has a significant relationship with entrepreneurial organizational culture (rs=0.606 and P=0.000). Also, empowerment dimensions including opportunity (rs=0.505), information (rs=0.484), resources (rs=0.552) and support (rs=0.509) have a positive effect on entrepreneurial organizational culture. Statistical results showed that the greatest effect was related to the resource dimension. The opportunity dimension also plays a significant role in increasing employee motivation, which can pave the way for promoting entrepreneurial culture. In addition, in the first hypothesis, the relationship between entrepreneurial organizational culture and opportunity has been examined, which indicates the existence of a positive and significant relationship between these two variables. Also, P-value is 0.000, which is less than the significance level of 0.05, making this relationship statistically significant. In the second hypothesis, the relationship between information and entrepreneurial organizational culture has been confirmed with rs=0.484. The P-value less than 0.05, indicating the P-value is 0.009 which is significance of this relationship. the relationship between support and entrepreneurial organizational culture has been tested, indicating that this relationship is also positive and significant. The P-value is 0.008, which is less than 0.05, indicating the significance of this relationship. In the relationship between resources and entrepreneurial organizational culture, the P-value is 0.004, which is less than 0.05, this relationship is confirmed.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that structural empowerment, especially in the dimensions of access to resources, information, opportunities, and organizational support, has a positive and significant effect on strengthening the entrepreneurial organizational culture in health centers. Creating supportive infrastructures and providing opportunities for growth and improvement of employees’ skills can increase their motivation, creativity, and innovation. Making decision-making processes transparent and designing reward systems based on innovation promotes employee participation and responsibility. In addition, facilitating the free flow of information and knowledge, supporting innovative ideas, and developing creative skills pave the way for creating a sustainable entrepreneurial culture and improving the overall performance of the organization, and strengthening organizational capacities.
Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical study with an applied purpose, which is positivist in terms of research philosophy, with a deductive and quantitative approach, correlational in terms of research purpose, and cross-sectional in terms of time, and the data were collected using a survey method. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula to be 263 people and was selected using a stratified, simple, and questioning random method. Standard Kanter structural empowerment questionnaires and Cornwall and Baron entrepreneurial organizational culture questionnaires were used to collect data. The data were analyzed with SPSS and Smart PLS 3 software.
Results: The findings showed that structural empowerment has a significant relationship with entrepreneurial organizational culture (rs=0.606 and P=0.000). Also, empowerment dimensions including opportunity (rs=0.505), information (rs=0.484), resources (rs=0.552) and support (rs=0.509) have a positive effect on entrepreneurial organizational culture. Statistical results showed that the greatest effect was related to the resource dimension. The opportunity dimension also plays a significant role in increasing employee motivation, which can pave the way for promoting entrepreneurial culture. In addition, in the first hypothesis, the relationship between entrepreneurial organizational culture and opportunity has been examined, which indicates the existence of a positive and significant relationship between these two variables. Also, P-value is 0.000, which is less than the significance level of 0.05, making this relationship statistically significant. In the second hypothesis, the relationship between information and entrepreneurial organizational culture has been confirmed with rs=0.484. The P-value less than 0.05, indicating the P-value is 0.009 which is significance of this relationship. the relationship between support and entrepreneurial organizational culture has been tested, indicating that this relationship is also positive and significant. The P-value is 0.008, which is less than 0.05, indicating the significance of this relationship. In the relationship between resources and entrepreneurial organizational culture, the P-value is 0.004, which is less than 0.05, this relationship is confirmed.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that structural empowerment, especially in the dimensions of access to resources, information, opportunities, and organizational support, has a positive and significant effect on strengthening the entrepreneurial organizational culture in health centers. Creating supportive infrastructures and providing opportunities for growth and improvement of employees’ skills can increase their motivation, creativity, and innovation. Making decision-making processes transparent and designing reward systems based on innovation promotes employee participation and responsibility. In addition, facilitating the free flow of information and knowledge, supporting innovative ideas, and developing creative skills pave the way for creating a sustainable entrepreneurial culture and improving the overall performance of the organization, and strengthening organizational capacities.
Taraneh Mohajeri, Talaat Khadivzadeh, Fatemeh Hadizadeh-Talasaz, Zahra Hadizadeh-Talasaz, Negar Sangsefidi,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Lack of awareness and inadequate knowledge about pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), its nature, complications, prevention, and available treatments leads to increased anxiety, exacerbation of disease symptoms, and decreased quality of life. Given the high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders, this study aimed to determine the knowledge of pelvic floor disorders in women referring to clinics of teaching hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in the women’s clinics of teaching hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in the period from July and December 2024. 205 people were included in the study using a convenience sampling method with inclusion criteria. Eligibility criteria included Iranian women over 18 years who spoke Persian and could read and write, and who provided consent to participate in the study. Participants who completed the questionnaires incompletely (more than 20% of questions unanswered) were excluded from the study. The data collection tool was a demographic and prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire (PIKQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS after checking for normality with Kolmogorov-Smirnov.
Results: The median age of the participants was 41. The median knowledge in the field of pelvic organ prolapse was 9 (total score range from 0 to 12), and in the field of urinary incontinence was 8 (total score range from 0 to 12), and the median overall score of the questionnaire was 17 (total score range from 0 to 24), and an interquartile range of 7. 98. (47.8%) of the women had poor and moderate knowledge, and 107 (52.2%) had good knowledge. The highest level of knowledge was related to the etiology domain, while the lowest was related to the diagnosis domain. An analysis of the relationship between demographic variables and the knowledge of pelvic floor disorders showed that, overall, there was no significant association between age (P=0.60), history of pelvic floor disorders (P=0.73), number of deliveries (P=0.67), and mode of delivery (P=0.37) with the knowledge score of pelvic floor disorders.The majority of participants (106 individuals, 51.7%) obtained their required health information from physicians, midwives, or other healthcare providers.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that almost half of the participants had poor to moderate levels of knowledge, and the lowest level of knowledge among participants with both disorders was in the areas of diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended that educational programs be designed and implemented to increase the awareness of women in the community about pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, the use of a pelvic floor disorders knowledge questionnaire may aid physicians in monitoring educational and therapeutic interventions for patients and ensuring that they receive the information necessary to manage their condition effectively.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in the women’s clinics of teaching hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in the period from July and December 2024. 205 people were included in the study using a convenience sampling method with inclusion criteria. Eligibility criteria included Iranian women over 18 years who spoke Persian and could read and write, and who provided consent to participate in the study. Participants who completed the questionnaires incompletely (more than 20% of questions unanswered) were excluded from the study. The data collection tool was a demographic and prolapse and incontinence knowledge questionnaire (PIKQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS after checking for normality with Kolmogorov-Smirnov.
Results: The median age of the participants was 41. The median knowledge in the field of pelvic organ prolapse was 9 (total score range from 0 to 12), and in the field of urinary incontinence was 8 (total score range from 0 to 12), and the median overall score of the questionnaire was 17 (total score range from 0 to 24), and an interquartile range of 7. 98. (47.8%) of the women had poor and moderate knowledge, and 107 (52.2%) had good knowledge. The highest level of knowledge was related to the etiology domain, while the lowest was related to the diagnosis domain. An analysis of the relationship between demographic variables and the knowledge of pelvic floor disorders showed that, overall, there was no significant association between age (P=0.60), history of pelvic floor disorders (P=0.73), number of deliveries (P=0.67), and mode of delivery (P=0.37) with the knowledge score of pelvic floor disorders.The majority of participants (106 individuals, 51.7%) obtained their required health information from physicians, midwives, or other healthcare providers.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that almost half of the participants had poor to moderate levels of knowledge, and the lowest level of knowledge among participants with both disorders was in the areas of diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended that educational programs be designed and implemented to increase the awareness of women in the community about pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, the use of a pelvic floor disorders knowledge questionnaire may aid physicians in monitoring educational and therapeutic interventions for patients and ensuring that they receive the information necessary to manage their condition effectively.
Roya Rajaee, Marziyeh Najafi, Nasrin Donyaee, Masoumeh Vaziri Seta, Hojjat Rahmani, Ghasem Rajabi, Mahsa Akbari,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Budgeting in the health system plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of healthcare services, increasing equitable access to health care, and reducing costs. Financial decision-making based on scientific data and evidence can improve the efficiency of the health system and ensure equity in resource allocation. This study aimed to examine the scientific status and trends of published literature on budgeting methods in the health system using bibliometric analysis to assist policymakers in making better financial decisions.
Materials and Methods: This study is a bibliometric review with a descriptive–analytical approach, analyzing 222 scientific documents indexed in Scopus between 1974 and 2024. Data were analyzed using Excel, Bibexcel, VOSviewer, and Gephi software to map the knowledge structure, co-word relationships, and international collaborations in this field.
Results: The United States (30%), Taiwan (15%), and Canada (10%) were the leading contributors to scientific output in this field. Journal articles comprised nearly 90% of all publications. The most frequent keywords were “budget,” “health care cost,” and “financial management,” reflecting a strong emphasis on cost control and resource management. Three main budgeting approaches were identified: performance-based, traditional (historical), and needs-based. Traditional budgeting remains dominant in developing countries, particularly where information infrastructure and managerial capacity are limited. International collaboration involved 18 countries, with the strongest cooperation observed between the United States and Taiwan.
Conclusion: Improving the health budgeting system requires strengthening information systems, training managers, and enhancing international scientific collaboration. Resource allocation based on scientific data and bibliometric insights can optimize resource distribution and enhance equity in access to health services. Such measures would lead to greater health system efficiency and more comprehensive financial decision-making.
Materials and Methods: This study is a bibliometric review with a descriptive–analytical approach, analyzing 222 scientific documents indexed in Scopus between 1974 and 2024. Data were analyzed using Excel, Bibexcel, VOSviewer, and Gephi software to map the knowledge structure, co-word relationships, and international collaborations in this field.
Results: The United States (30%), Taiwan (15%), and Canada (10%) were the leading contributors to scientific output in this field. Journal articles comprised nearly 90% of all publications. The most frequent keywords were “budget,” “health care cost,” and “financial management,” reflecting a strong emphasis on cost control and resource management. Three main budgeting approaches were identified: performance-based, traditional (historical), and needs-based. Traditional budgeting remains dominant in developing countries, particularly where information infrastructure and managerial capacity are limited. International collaboration involved 18 countries, with the strongest cooperation observed between the United States and Taiwan.
Conclusion: Improving the health budgeting system requires strengthening information systems, training managers, and enhancing international scientific collaboration. Resource allocation based on scientific data and bibliometric insights can optimize resource distribution and enhance equity in access to health services. Such measures would lead to greater health system efficiency and more comprehensive financial decision-making.
Abdolahad Nabiolahi, Nasser Keikha,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 4 (11-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Point of Care Tests (POCTs) are a laboratory diagnostic system that can be performed at the patient care location and help diagnose diseases quickly. Due to the increase in population, the prevalence of contagious diseases, none access of society members to laboratories, the global need for the availability of modern diagnostic and health technologies at the place of patient care, the aim of research was to explore new aspects of the application of Point of Care Tests to patients as well as the process of developing these technologies in the field of healthcare.
Materials and Methods: A scoping review method were applied by determining the key words through medical subject headings and related articles, searching in the databases of Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed databases as well as Google Scholar, Google and Magiran and Scientific information database. Furthermore to preserve the variety of sources and articles, the criteria for entering the study were English-language articles and no time limit was applied.
Results: Most of the 17 related articles were reviews. The most common technologies in POCTs were lateral flow assays (LFA) that applied to diagnosis of Cryptococcus fungal infection, tuberculosis, hepatitis, legionella, malaria and covid-19, and nucleic acid amplification tests have helped to detect viruses and bacteria using DNA and RNA. From NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) based on microsialate, it can be referred to RT-PCR (Reverse transcription- polymerase chain reactio) and LAMP oop-Mediated- Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), where in recent years are widely used for detection of infectious diseases specially SARS-CoV-19. Additional basic diagnostic tools have focused on Small handheld, POCT devices with a monitoring device, cartridge, and other devices; whereas in the new generations, special focus were on quality assurance, microfluidics, Nano-biosensors and smart phones.
Conclusion: The analysis of published studies showed that the diagnostic tools of tests on POCTs are expanding and have been able to provide better clinical and economic results. In addition to the extensive use of two advanced types of lateral flow assays and nucleic acid amplification tests to diagnose tests at the patient’s bedside; Microfluidics, Nano biosensors and smart phones have also expanded. Quality assurance also requires the determination of accurate quality management procedures, policy programming and necessary policy formulation by officials to achieve reliable results for patient care.
Materials and Methods: A scoping review method were applied by determining the key words through medical subject headings and related articles, searching in the databases of Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed databases as well as Google Scholar, Google and Magiran and Scientific information database. Furthermore to preserve the variety of sources and articles, the criteria for entering the study were English-language articles and no time limit was applied.
Results: Most of the 17 related articles were reviews. The most common technologies in POCTs were lateral flow assays (LFA) that applied to diagnosis of Cryptococcus fungal infection, tuberculosis, hepatitis, legionella, malaria and covid-19, and nucleic acid amplification tests have helped to detect viruses and bacteria using DNA and RNA. From NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) based on microsialate, it can be referred to RT-PCR (Reverse transcription- polymerase chain reactio) and LAMP oop-Mediated- Isothermal Amplification (LAMP), where in recent years are widely used for detection of infectious diseases specially SARS-CoV-19. Additional basic diagnostic tools have focused on Small handheld, POCT devices with a monitoring device, cartridge, and other devices; whereas in the new generations, special focus were on quality assurance, microfluidics, Nano-biosensors and smart phones.
Conclusion: The analysis of published studies showed that the diagnostic tools of tests on POCTs are expanding and have been able to provide better clinical and economic results. In addition to the extensive use of two advanced types of lateral flow assays and nucleic acid amplification tests to diagnose tests at the patient’s bedside; Microfluidics, Nano biosensors and smart phones have also expanded. Quality assurance also requires the determination of accurate quality management procedures, policy programming and necessary policy formulation by officials to achieve reliable results for patient care.
Shohreh Seyyed-Hosseini, Marzieh Shahbazi, Alireza Davarpanah, Fatemeh Kalteh, Reza Basirian-Jahromi,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The monitoring of users’ real-time and continuous web searches, in conjunction with the identification of research conducted by experts in a specific field, constitutes the domain of infodemiology. The present study sought to examine the correlation between the demand for health information among users and the scientific output of researchers in elderly health from 2015 to 2024.
Materials and Methods: The present data mining research is of a descriptive-analytical nature, conducted using web mining and scientometrics approaches, employing infodemiology indicators. The web mining section of the study population comprised global user search keywords in the field of elderly health, as examined using Google Trends. In the scientometrics section, the research conducted by researchers in the field of elderly health was analyzed. This research was indexed in the PubMed database from 2015 to 2024. To examine the alignment between users’ information-seeking behavior and researchers’ scientific output, correlation tests were performed using SPSS software.
Results: A rise was observed in the volume of scientific output from researchers and the user search volume index in the field of elderly health on the Google search engine from 2015 to 2024. The monthly mean growth of scientific output from researchers over the ten years was 1439.70. In the user behavior of health information seeking (health information demand), the highest relative search volume index belonged to Ireland, Jamaica, and the United States of America, respectively. The highest number of scientific articles by researchers in the field of elderly health, with 20,480 articles, was related to the year 2021. Also, the average monthly growth of scientific output by researchers in the field of elderly health in this ten-year period (from January 2015 to December 2024) was 1439.70. The investigation revealed a direct and significant relationship (P-value<0.005) between users’ information-seeking behavior and researchers’ scientific output in this field, as determined by applying the Google search engine.
Conclusion: A multitude of factors have the capacity to influence the level of scientific output from researchers in the field of elderly health. In view of the positive relationship that has been observed and the reciprocal relation between the variables of users’ information-seeking behavior and researchers’ scientific output, it can be concluded that the factor of information demand, or users’ internet information-seeking behavior in the web environment, in this area, can be one of the most significant factors. This factor must be given due consideration through rigorous research.
Materials and Methods: The present data mining research is of a descriptive-analytical nature, conducted using web mining and scientometrics approaches, employing infodemiology indicators. The web mining section of the study population comprised global user search keywords in the field of elderly health, as examined using Google Trends. In the scientometrics section, the research conducted by researchers in the field of elderly health was analyzed. This research was indexed in the PubMed database from 2015 to 2024. To examine the alignment between users’ information-seeking behavior and researchers’ scientific output, correlation tests were performed using SPSS software.
Results: A rise was observed in the volume of scientific output from researchers and the user search volume index in the field of elderly health on the Google search engine from 2015 to 2024. The monthly mean growth of scientific output from researchers over the ten years was 1439.70. In the user behavior of health information seeking (health information demand), the highest relative search volume index belonged to Ireland, Jamaica, and the United States of America, respectively. The highest number of scientific articles by researchers in the field of elderly health, with 20,480 articles, was related to the year 2021. Also, the average monthly growth of scientific output by researchers in the field of elderly health in this ten-year period (from January 2015 to December 2024) was 1439.70. The investigation revealed a direct and significant relationship (P-value<0.005) between users’ information-seeking behavior and researchers’ scientific output in this field, as determined by applying the Google search engine.
Conclusion: A multitude of factors have the capacity to influence the level of scientific output from researchers in the field of elderly health. In view of the positive relationship that has been observed and the reciprocal relation between the variables of users’ information-seeking behavior and researchers’ scientific output, it can be concluded that the factor of information demand, or users’ internet information-seeking behavior in the web environment, in this area, can be one of the most significant factors. This factor must be given due consideration through rigorous research.
Shiva Mohajel Nayebi, Azra Daei, Vahideh Gavgani Zarea,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The continuous specialization and rapid evolution in medical and health sciences, combined with the growing influence of information and communication technologies, have created an urgent need for specialized education in Medical Library and Information Science (MLIS). As universities transition toward the fourth and fifth-generation models, characterized by innovation, networking, and entrepreneurial orientation, academic disciplines are expected to become more dynamic and responsive to technological and societal change. This study aimed to identify emerging community-based educational specializations, explore the related challenges and enabling factors, and develop policy recommendations for establishing a new specialization in MLIS.
Materials and Methods: This multi-methods research was conducted with the goal of informing educational policy and curriculum development. In the first phase, a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist was carried out to identify existing and emerging specializations in health-related information sciences. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) involving eight domain experts explored perceived challenges, influencing factors, and potential strategies for specialization development. Finally, in the third phase, a simple Delphi technique was applied with ten policymakers in Medical Library and Information Science to prioritize the proposed specialization options. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, using coding and categorization to identify recurrent patterns and themes.
Results: The scoping review included 22 eligible studies, from which 11 educational specializations related to health information and librarianship were initially extracted. After merging overlapping domains, eight distinct specializations remained. Following expert and policymaker prioritization, four educational specializations were selected as feasible and necessary for integration into the MLIS curriculum. The main challenges identified were: Ensuring disciplinary sustainability in the face of rapid scientific and technological change; Promoting structural and curricular reform to align educational programs with real-world health information needs; Overcoming institutional and cultural resistance to organizational change. Policymakers emphasized curriculum modernization, specialized educational tracks, and needs-based program design as essential strategies for strengthening MLIS education and its alignment with health system priorities.
Conclusion: The study recommends that universities establish new educational specializations or formal short-term programs tailored to national and regional needs in health information science. Implementing the proposed policy options can enhance the long-term sustainability, relevance, and innovation capacity of the MLIS discipline while increasing the employability and professional competence of graduates. Strengthening educational responsiveness to societal and technological transformation will position Medical Librarianship and Information Science as a key enabler in evidence-based health systems and digital health development.
Materials and Methods: This multi-methods research was conducted with the goal of informing educational policy and curriculum development. In the first phase, a scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist was carried out to identify existing and emerging specializations in health-related information sciences. In the second phase, a focus group discussion (FGD) involving eight domain experts explored perceived challenges, influencing factors, and potential strategies for specialization development. Finally, in the third phase, a simple Delphi technique was applied with ten policymakers in Medical Library and Information Science to prioritize the proposed specialization options. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, using coding and categorization to identify recurrent patterns and themes.
Results: The scoping review included 22 eligible studies, from which 11 educational specializations related to health information and librarianship were initially extracted. After merging overlapping domains, eight distinct specializations remained. Following expert and policymaker prioritization, four educational specializations were selected as feasible and necessary for integration into the MLIS curriculum. The main challenges identified were: Ensuring disciplinary sustainability in the face of rapid scientific and technological change; Promoting structural and curricular reform to align educational programs with real-world health information needs; Overcoming institutional and cultural resistance to organizational change. Policymakers emphasized curriculum modernization, specialized educational tracks, and needs-based program design as essential strategies for strengthening MLIS education and its alignment with health system priorities.
Conclusion: The study recommends that universities establish new educational specializations or formal short-term programs tailored to national and regional needs in health information science. Implementing the proposed policy options can enhance the long-term sustainability, relevance, and innovation capacity of the MLIS discipline while increasing the employability and professional competence of graduates. Strengthening educational responsiveness to societal and technological transformation will position Medical Librarianship and Information Science as a key enabler in evidence-based health systems and digital health development.
Pezhman Sadeghi, Nader Jahanmehr, Reza Rabiei,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Information systems serve different purposes in organizational and management hierarchies. The hospital intelligent management system is an analytical and decision-support management information system that provides information and important performance indicators for managers in hospitals. Considering the role of this system in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness and the lack of academic hospitals having the desired level of productivity, this research was conducted to investigate the effective factors in improving the acceptance of the intelligent hospital management system in the hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU).
Materials and Methods: This descriptive and correlational research was conducted in 19 hospitals (12 teaching hospitals and 7 non-teaching hospitals) of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2022. In this study, 126 senior and middle managers and experts of the productivity committee participated. The data of this study were collected Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology(UTAUT) Questionnaire and for statistical analysis, SPSS software (statistical table and linear and multiple regression tests, sequencing, and chi-square) was used. The validity of the questionnaire was determined using the opinion of research experts and its reliability was also determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.824).
Results: Most of the participants in the study were from teaching hospitals (63.2%) and were middle managers (50.8%). Behavioral intentions were identified as the most important factors in the use of system by senior and middle managers and experts of productivity committee (P<0.001). The effort expectancy had the greatest impact on the intention to use the system as compared to the expected components of Performance expectancy and social influence. Also, training and having educational programs on how to use the HIM and its applications can increase the intention and use of the HIM by employees (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the effect of the moderating variables in this study was insignificant. If senior managers and influential people encourage working with the system, and employees also make more effort to learn the system, and working with the system meets their expectations, employees will be willing to use the system. In other words, employees use the system when they believe that this system is user-friendly, valuable, and useful for them.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive and correlational research was conducted in 19 hospitals (12 teaching hospitals and 7 non-teaching hospitals) of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2022. In this study, 126 senior and middle managers and experts of the productivity committee participated. The data of this study were collected Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology(UTAUT) Questionnaire and for statistical analysis, SPSS software (statistical table and linear and multiple regression tests, sequencing, and chi-square) was used. The validity of the questionnaire was determined using the opinion of research experts and its reliability was also determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.824).
Results: Most of the participants in the study were from teaching hospitals (63.2%) and were middle managers (50.8%). Behavioral intentions were identified as the most important factors in the use of system by senior and middle managers and experts of productivity committee (P<0.001). The effort expectancy had the greatest impact on the intention to use the system as compared to the expected components of Performance expectancy and social influence. Also, training and having educational programs on how to use the HIM and its applications can increase the intention and use of the HIM by employees (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the effect of the moderating variables in this study was insignificant. If senior managers and influential people encourage working with the system, and employees also make more effort to learn the system, and working with the system meets their expectations, employees will be willing to use the system. In other words, employees use the system when they believe that this system is user-friendly, valuable, and useful for them.
Elham Maserat, Zeinab Mohammadzadeh, Zahra Mahmoudvand, Hasan Siamian, Pourya Taghizadeh, Azadeh Yazdanian,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: As a pandemic, the COVID-19 epidemic has had widespread impacts on society and has highlighted the need for effective management through timely case detection, early isolation, and treatment. Web portals have emerged as an effective information technology intervention and a solution for crisis management. This study aims to review various web portals implemented in the context of COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: In 2025, a systematic review was conducted to identify articles related to the use of web portals in the COVID-19 context. Keywords such as information technology, portal, COVID-19, and university were used to search multiple databases and search engines including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar. Published texts from 2019 to 2025 were included in the search.
Results: Initially, 1,058 articles were retrieved, and after careful evaluation, 40 articles directly relevant to the research topic were selected for inclusion. The analysis identified several notable web portals deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including platforms such as COVIDome, Over COVID, interactive visualization portals, country-specific information portals, prediction-based systems, electronic portals for specific medical conditions, data platforms, drug repurposing portals, patient triage and scheduling tools, health mapping portals, telemetry capabilities, and epidemiology applications. The results showed that the highest number of related articles were published in 2020, primarily concentrated in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. In-depth reviews indicated that WPs such as COVIDome and MyChart significantly facilitated patient access to medical information and healthcare services. These portals not only provided timely information regarding vaccination and outbreaks but also played a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between patients and Healthcare Providers. Furthermore, the overall use of portals increased 10-fold during the pandemic, a trend that persisted afterward. Findings also highlight existing digital divides, as individuals with higher education and income levels benefited more from these portals.
Conclusion: Successful implementation of web portals requires proper management and planning, increased awareness among stakeholders including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public, user training, comprehensive data integration, adherence to standards, and periodic evaluations. These measures are essential to optimize the effectiveness and utility of the portals.
Materials and Methods: In 2025, a systematic review was conducted to identify articles related to the use of web portals in the COVID-19 context. Keywords such as information technology, portal, COVID-19, and university were used to search multiple databases and search engines including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar. Published texts from 2019 to 2025 were included in the search.
Results: Initially, 1,058 articles were retrieved, and after careful evaluation, 40 articles directly relevant to the research topic were selected for inclusion. The analysis identified several notable web portals deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including platforms such as COVIDome, Over COVID, interactive visualization portals, country-specific information portals, prediction-based systems, electronic portals for specific medical conditions, data platforms, drug repurposing portals, patient triage and scheduling tools, health mapping portals, telemetry capabilities, and epidemiology applications. The results showed that the highest number of related articles were published in 2020, primarily concentrated in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. In-depth reviews indicated that WPs such as COVIDome and MyChart significantly facilitated patient access to medical information and healthcare services. These portals not only provided timely information regarding vaccination and outbreaks but also played a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between patients and Healthcare Providers. Furthermore, the overall use of portals increased 10-fold during the pandemic, a trend that persisted afterward. Findings also highlight existing digital divides, as individuals with higher education and income levels benefited more from these portals.
Conclusion: Successful implementation of web portals requires proper management and planning, increased awareness among stakeholders including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public, user training, comprehensive data integration, adherence to standards, and periodic evaluations. These measures are essential to optimize the effectiveness and utility of the portals.
Creating a Management Dashboard for the Oncology Ward to Monitor Health Data of Children with Cancer
Saber Yazdani Damavandi, Tayebeh Baniasadi, Mohammad Ali Molavi, Farid Khorrami,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cancer has been recognized as the second leading cause of child mortality in recent years. Due to the increasing amount of healthcare data for cancer patients, healthcare providers need a tool to monitor patients for immediate intervention. An intelligent and dynamic information management dashboard is capable of compiling and displaying data using charts and tables. In the present study, a management dashboard was designed for the oncology department of a children’s hospital, and its usability was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: This developmental–applied research was conducted in 2024 at the Educational, Medical, and Research Center for Children in Bandar Abbas. In order to create a management dashboard for the pediatric oncology department, three stages were carried out. In the first stage, all necessary content to be displayed on the dashboard was extracted based on a review of literature and documents from the oncology department of Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital. This content was then validated by experts using the Delphi method in two rounds. In the second stage, a prototype of dashboard for the oncology ward was designed using Power BI Desktop software. Finally, its usability was evaluated using a SUS questionnaire by 20 users. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software.
Results: Following the screening of 3,435 initial records and a review of 22 articles alongside 38 patient files, a preliminary set of 104 managerial and 67 clinical indicators was extracted. These indicators were validated through a tworound Delphi process with 12 experts, resulting in the final selection of 105 managerial and 71 clinical indicators for dashboard inclusion. Based on this validated set, a tenpage managerial dashboard was developed to present key performance metrics. Usability assessment using the System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded a mean score of 75.87, which, according to the Bangor scale, is classified as “acceptable” and corresponds to a grade of “excellent.” User feedback informed subsequent refinements to the dashboard’s data visualizations and interface. In summary, the developed dashboard represents an effective and userfriendly tool for monitoring and managing information within a pediatric oncology department.
Conclusion: The pediatric oncology management dashboard facilitates the integration and summarization of essential data for healthcare providers, thereby assisting them in making timely diagnoses and interventions for children with cancer. Additionally, the present dashboard demonstrates appropriate usability, which enhances users’ understanding of health information and leads to more accurate decision-making.
Materials and Methods: This developmental–applied research was conducted in 2024 at the Educational, Medical, and Research Center for Children in Bandar Abbas. In order to create a management dashboard for the pediatric oncology department, three stages were carried out. In the first stage, all necessary content to be displayed on the dashboard was extracted based on a review of literature and documents from the oncology department of Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital. This content was then validated by experts using the Delphi method in two rounds. In the second stage, a prototype of dashboard for the oncology ward was designed using Power BI Desktop software. Finally, its usability was evaluated using a SUS questionnaire by 20 users. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software.
Results: Following the screening of 3,435 initial records and a review of 22 articles alongside 38 patient files, a preliminary set of 104 managerial and 67 clinical indicators was extracted. These indicators were validated through a tworound Delphi process with 12 experts, resulting in the final selection of 105 managerial and 71 clinical indicators for dashboard inclusion. Based on this validated set, a tenpage managerial dashboard was developed to present key performance metrics. Usability assessment using the System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded a mean score of 75.87, which, according to the Bangor scale, is classified as “acceptable” and corresponds to a grade of “excellent.” User feedback informed subsequent refinements to the dashboard’s data visualizations and interface. In summary, the developed dashboard represents an effective and userfriendly tool for monitoring and managing information within a pediatric oncology department.
Conclusion: The pediatric oncology management dashboard facilitates the integration and summarization of essential data for healthcare providers, thereby assisting them in making timely diagnoses and interventions for children with cancer. Additionally, the present dashboard demonstrates appropriate usability, which enhances users’ understanding of health information and leads to more accurate decision-making.
Ahmad Negahban, Azam Salehzadeh, Razieh Farrahi, Alireza Nourozi, Sina Tavakoli,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With the digitalization of healthcare, hospital information systems handle vast amounts of sensitive data, making their protection crucial. This study aimed to assess the compliance of these systems in hospitals affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences with the physical and technical safeguard standards of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 15 hospitals affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of Information Technology (IT) unit managers, who were selected using a census method (15 individuals). The research instrument was a researcher-developed checklist consisting of 56 items based on the physical and technical standards of HIPAA. The face validity of the checklist was confirmed by five experts in Health Information Management, Medical Informatics, and Health Policy, and its reliability was verified with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.84. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.
Results: A total of 15 information technology managers (14 men and 1 woman) from 15 hospitals, including 8 teaching and 7 non-teaching hospitals, participated in the study. The findings showed that the hospital information systems of Birjand University of Medical Sciences complied with the HIPAA physical and technical safeguard standards at rates of 81.7% and 86.7%, respectively. In the domain of physical safeguards, the workstation security standard demonstrated the highest level of compliance, with a mean score of 89.3%. Full compliance (100%) was observed for certain indicators, including emergency access procedures for facilities and physical access control procedures. In contrast, the lowest compliance in this domain was related to the device and media controls standard, with a mean score of 74.9%, particularly in the identification and tracking of hardware and electronic media. In the domain of technical safeguards, the overall mean compliance rate was 86.7%. Among these standards, person or entity authentication achieved the highest level of compliance, with all hospitals demonstrating full compliance (100%). In addition, access control (93.3%), audit controls (86.7%), and transmission security (85.3%) were all at desirable levels. However, the lowest compliance was observed for the integrity standard (50%), highlighting the need to strengthen technical infrastructure and implement more advanced electronic mechanisms to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
Conclusion: Although the overall level of compliance in the hospitals under study is satisfactory, significant gaps remain, particularly in device and media control and data integrity. These deficiencies may lead to breaches of patient privacy and undermine public trust in the healthcare system. It is recommended that senior hospital managers and health policymakers address these deficiencies by developing and implementing clear internal guidelines, investing in appropriate supportive technologies, and conducting continuous, targeted training programs for all personnel. In addition, periodic compliance monitoring is essential to ensure continuous improvement.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 15 hospitals affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of Information Technology (IT) unit managers, who were selected using a census method (15 individuals). The research instrument was a researcher-developed checklist consisting of 56 items based on the physical and technical standards of HIPAA. The face validity of the checklist was confirmed by five experts in Health Information Management, Medical Informatics, and Health Policy, and its reliability was verified with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.84. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.
Results: A total of 15 information technology managers (14 men and 1 woman) from 15 hospitals, including 8 teaching and 7 non-teaching hospitals, participated in the study. The findings showed that the hospital information systems of Birjand University of Medical Sciences complied with the HIPAA physical and technical safeguard standards at rates of 81.7% and 86.7%, respectively. In the domain of physical safeguards, the workstation security standard demonstrated the highest level of compliance, with a mean score of 89.3%. Full compliance (100%) was observed for certain indicators, including emergency access procedures for facilities and physical access control procedures. In contrast, the lowest compliance in this domain was related to the device and media controls standard, with a mean score of 74.9%, particularly in the identification and tracking of hardware and electronic media. In the domain of technical safeguards, the overall mean compliance rate was 86.7%. Among these standards, person or entity authentication achieved the highest level of compliance, with all hospitals demonstrating full compliance (100%). In addition, access control (93.3%), audit controls (86.7%), and transmission security (85.3%) were all at desirable levels. However, the lowest compliance was observed for the integrity standard (50%), highlighting the need to strengthen technical infrastructure and implement more advanced electronic mechanisms to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
Conclusion: Although the overall level of compliance in the hospitals under study is satisfactory, significant gaps remain, particularly in device and media control and data integrity. These deficiencies may lead to breaches of patient privacy and undermine public trust in the healthcare system. It is recommended that senior hospital managers and health policymakers address these deficiencies by developing and implementing clear internal guidelines, investing in appropriate supportive technologies, and conducting continuous, targeted training programs for all personnel. In addition, periodic compliance monitoring is essential to ensure continuous improvement.
Saeideh Ayoubi, Saman Salemi, Mohammad Ali Sahraian, Termeh Tarjoman, Sharareh Eskandarieh,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Noncommunicable diseases are one of the most important public health challenges in the 21st century. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and can lead to permanent disability in young people. This disease is important due to its economic impact and reduced quality of life, and it is essential to understand its economic and social factors on these subjects.
Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study based on the population of Iranian NMO patients. The instrument of this study was a researcher-made questionnaire in English from Harvard University, USA, which was translated into Persian and re-translated into English (translate- retranslate technique). The samples included NMO patients registered in the Iranian National NMO Registry System at Sina Hospital in Tehran, who completed information about their employment, income, and socioeconomic status via telephone interviews. The data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The total number of samples was 70, with a mean age of 41.40 years with a standard deviation of 10.91 years. The majority of patients were women, with 71.4% (50 of 70) of patients being female and 28.6% (20 of 70) being male. Sixty-one-point four percent of patients (43 of 70) had lost their jobs due to NMO and 70% (49 of 70) had reduced their working hours. Also, 47.1% of patients (33 of 70) reported a decrease in their annual income. Thirty-two-point eight percent (23 of 70) had lost between 51% and 100% of their annual income due to this disease and 10% (7 of 70) of patients had no annual income. Eighteen point five percent (13 of 70) of patients no longer work outside home due to the occurrence of NMO disease. Overall, the effects of NMO on the reduction of employment, working hours and income of patients were significantly high.
Conclusion: The results showed that NMO has serious effects on the employment and income status of these patients in Iran and they need more economic and social support. Considering the physical disabilities caused by this disease and the reduced ability to work, NMO patients should receive special social and economic support from government.
Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study based on the population of Iranian NMO patients. The instrument of this study was a researcher-made questionnaire in English from Harvard University, USA, which was translated into Persian and re-translated into English (translate- retranslate technique). The samples included NMO patients registered in the Iranian National NMO Registry System at Sina Hospital in Tehran, who completed information about their employment, income, and socioeconomic status via telephone interviews. The data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The total number of samples was 70, with a mean age of 41.40 years with a standard deviation of 10.91 years. The majority of patients were women, with 71.4% (50 of 70) of patients being female and 28.6% (20 of 70) being male. Sixty-one-point four percent of patients (43 of 70) had lost their jobs due to NMO and 70% (49 of 70) had reduced their working hours. Also, 47.1% of patients (33 of 70) reported a decrease in their annual income. Thirty-two-point eight percent (23 of 70) had lost between 51% and 100% of their annual income due to this disease and 10% (7 of 70) of patients had no annual income. Eighteen point five percent (13 of 70) of patients no longer work outside home due to the occurrence of NMO disease. Overall, the effects of NMO on the reduction of employment, working hours and income of patients were significantly high.
Conclusion: The results showed that NMO has serious effects on the employment and income status of these patients in Iran and they need more economic and social support. Considering the physical disabilities caused by this disease and the reduced ability to work, NMO patients should receive special social and economic support from government.
Reza Safdari, Arash Mansourian, Shahram Tahmasebian, Niloofar Mohammadzadeh, Hamideh Ehtesham,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Artificial intelligence-based systems can facilitate data management and interpretation in various dental specialties and can be used as auxiliary tools in diagnosis and education. Case-based reasoning is a promising artificial intelligence method for implementing decision support systems in medical sciences. In the current research, this technique has been used to design an intelligent system for the differential diagnosis of oral diseases.
Materials and Methods: This research is a developmental study and is applied in terms of results. To create a database of cases, patient data was collected by referring to the specialized polyclinic of the Faculty of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and through clinical interviews. The [feature-value] collection was used to display the cases. The weight of the features was determined through a specialized Delphi survey conducted at the national level and as an online study. The determined weights were stored in the case database and used as similarity evaluation parameters. Then, the similarity index was calculated for each case.
Results: The intelligent system designed in this research has been developed based on web technologies. Problem-solving in the case-based reasoning method is done in a cycle and includes four main stages: recovery, reuse, review, and maintenance. The input parameters of the system include clinical indicators, paraclinical indicators, historical data, and management data affecting the diagnosis process. The system provides a prioritized list of differential diagnoses of oral diseases across six main axes as output including Ulcerative, vesicular, and bullous lesions, Red and white lesions of the oral mucosa, Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa, Benign lesions of the oral cavity, Oral cancer, Salivary gland diseases.
Conclusion: The development of the system utilizing case-based reasoning techniques and clinical data processing has the potential to assist dentists in achieving differential diagnosis across six main areas of oral diseases.
Materials and Methods: This research is a developmental study and is applied in terms of results. To create a database of cases, patient data was collected by referring to the specialized polyclinic of the Faculty of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and through clinical interviews. The [feature-value] collection was used to display the cases. The weight of the features was determined through a specialized Delphi survey conducted at the national level and as an online study. The determined weights were stored in the case database and used as similarity evaluation parameters. Then, the similarity index was calculated for each case.
Results: The intelligent system designed in this research has been developed based on web technologies. Problem-solving in the case-based reasoning method is done in a cycle and includes four main stages: recovery, reuse, review, and maintenance. The input parameters of the system include clinical indicators, paraclinical indicators, historical data, and management data affecting the diagnosis process. The system provides a prioritized list of differential diagnoses of oral diseases across six main axes as output including Ulcerative, vesicular, and bullous lesions, Red and white lesions of the oral mucosa, Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa, Benign lesions of the oral cavity, Oral cancer, Salivary gland diseases.
Conclusion: The development of the system utilizing case-based reasoning techniques and clinical data processing has the potential to assist dentists in achieving differential diagnosis across six main areas of oral diseases.
Davood Bahrami, Mahin Tavakoli, Bahram Ahmadi,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Trichophyton rubrum is among the most frequently detected species that cause dermatophyte infections, especially chronic infections, so it requires early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment. Due to the increasing resistance of different species of dermatophytes to antifungals, the use of herbal compounds with antifungal properties can be used as adjuvant therapy or even an alternative therapy. Carvacrol has a wide range of biological activities, including antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the antifungal effect of carvacrol on 12 strains of Trichophyton rubrum in comparison to the antifungal drug terbinafine in vitro.
Materials and Methods: This investigation was conducted on Trichophyton rubrum isolates that had been previously identified morphologically and molecularly. The protocol used to perform in vitro susceptibility testing was the A38-M-CLSI standard using the Broth Microdilution method. The obtained results were analyzed using SPSS software, and the MIC50, MIC90, and GM of this compound against Trichophyton rubrum isolates were estimated compared to terbinafine.
Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using different concentrations of carvacrol (in the concentration range of 0.25 to 2 μg/mL) and terbinafine (in the concentration range of 0.0625 to 0. 5 μg/mL). The MIC50 and MIC90 values for Carvacrol were determined to be 0. 5 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. Whereas, the corresponding values for terbinafine were calculated at 0.0625 and 0. 5 μg/mL. The GM values were 0.5 for cavacrol and 0.1 for terbinafine. Similar to terbinafine, the antifungal efficacy of the studied compound displayed significant differences against Trichophyton rubrum isolates (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion: Although the MIC values for carvacrol were higher than those for terbinafine in vitro, it demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum isolates. Therefore, this natural compound seems to be a good option for adjuvant therapy along with antifungals in dermatophyte infections, although the realization of this matter requires further investigation on the combined effect of carvacrol and terbinafine, determining the toxicity of carvacrol, and also examining this compound in vivo.
Materials and Methods: This investigation was conducted on Trichophyton rubrum isolates that had been previously identified morphologically and molecularly. The protocol used to perform in vitro susceptibility testing was the A38-M-CLSI standard using the Broth Microdilution method. The obtained results were analyzed using SPSS software, and the MIC50, MIC90, and GM of this compound against Trichophyton rubrum isolates were estimated compared to terbinafine.
Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using different concentrations of carvacrol (in the concentration range of 0.25 to 2 μg/mL) and terbinafine (in the concentration range of 0.0625 to 0. 5 μg/mL). The MIC50 and MIC90 values for Carvacrol were determined to be 0. 5 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. Whereas, the corresponding values for terbinafine were calculated at 0.0625 and 0. 5 μg/mL. The GM values were 0.5 for cavacrol and 0.1 for terbinafine. Similar to terbinafine, the antifungal efficacy of the studied compound displayed significant differences against Trichophyton rubrum isolates (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion: Although the MIC values for carvacrol were higher than those for terbinafine in vitro, it demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum isolates. Therefore, this natural compound seems to be a good option for adjuvant therapy along with antifungals in dermatophyte infections, although the realization of this matter requires further investigation on the combined effect of carvacrol and terbinafine, determining the toxicity of carvacrol, and also examining this compound in vivo.
Sedigheh Hannani, Seyyedeh Haniyeh Mousavibaghi, Fardin Amiri, Shaqayeq Taghizadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Observing the principles of professional ethics by university faculty members guarantees the improvement of student ethics and the moral situation of the entire university environment. A 360-degree evaluation is a method in which individuals are assessed from multiple perspectives, including peers, supervisors, subordinates, and self-assessment. Therefore, the results of this type of evaluation are more objective, reliable, and valid. This study was conducted to evaluate the professional ethics of faculty members of operating room departments of the Universities of Medical Sciences in Tehran using a 360-degree feedback model.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the universities of Medical Sciences in Tehran between 2021 and 2022. The faculty members of the operating room groups of each university were evaluated by four groups of evaluators (themselves, senior managers, colleagues, and students of the operating room group) based on researcher-made questionnaires of professional ethics. In the community of faculty members, superior managers, and peers, the size of the community was equal to the sample. In the student community, the stratified sampling method was used according to the volume to determine the required samples from the student population in each university, and the sample size of 195 students was determined. The face and content validity of the questionnaires were confirmed by a group of expert professors (11 people). To estimate the reliability of the questionnaires, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used, which was for the self-evaluator questionnaire (0.87), superior managers (0.92), peers (0.88), and students (0.95). Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for group comparisons, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between variables. Finally, the data analysis was performed using SPSS software. For all tests, a significance level of P<0.05 was considered.
Results: The overall mean professional ethics score of faculty members from the perspective of the four evaluator groups was 4.06±0.58, indicating a desirable level of professional ethics. Self-evaluation yielded the highest mean score across all dimensions (4.79±0.17), whereas student evaluations produced the lowest mean score (3.77±0.56). Professional ethics scores were significantly associated with the gender of self-evaluators (P<0.05). So that female faculty members rated themselves better than male ones. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between male and female students regarding their perceptions of faculty members’ adherence to professional ethics (P<0.05). So that male students rated the faculty members’ adherence to professional ethics better.
Conclusion: Considering the diversity of evaluators’ perspectives, modern and practical evaluation approaches such as 360-degree feedback are valuable tools for assessing adherence to professional ethics to determine the status of professional ethics from various stakeholder perspectives. These methods can help faculty members identify areas for improvement and enhance their professional performance.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the universities of Medical Sciences in Tehran between 2021 and 2022. The faculty members of the operating room groups of each university were evaluated by four groups of evaluators (themselves, senior managers, colleagues, and students of the operating room group) based on researcher-made questionnaires of professional ethics. In the community of faculty members, superior managers, and peers, the size of the community was equal to the sample. In the student community, the stratified sampling method was used according to the volume to determine the required samples from the student population in each university, and the sample size of 195 students was determined. The face and content validity of the questionnaires were confirmed by a group of expert professors (11 people). To estimate the reliability of the questionnaires, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used, which was for the self-evaluator questionnaire (0.87), superior managers (0.92), peers (0.88), and students (0.95). Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for group comparisons, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to examine relationships between variables. Finally, the data analysis was performed using SPSS software. For all tests, a significance level of P<0.05 was considered.
Results: The overall mean professional ethics score of faculty members from the perspective of the four evaluator groups was 4.06±0.58, indicating a desirable level of professional ethics. Self-evaluation yielded the highest mean score across all dimensions (4.79±0.17), whereas student evaluations produced the lowest mean score (3.77±0.56). Professional ethics scores were significantly associated with the gender of self-evaluators (P<0.05). So that female faculty members rated themselves better than male ones. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between male and female students regarding their perceptions of faculty members’ adherence to professional ethics (P<0.05). So that male students rated the faculty members’ adherence to professional ethics better.
Conclusion: Considering the diversity of evaluators’ perspectives, modern and practical evaluation approaches such as 360-degree feedback are valuable tools for assessing adherence to professional ethics to determine the status of professional ethics from various stakeholder perspectives. These methods can help faculty members identify areas for improvement and enhance their professional performance.
Fateme Rezaei, Elaheh Lael-Monfared, Nooshin Peyman,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Adolescents spend most of their time online participating in social media activities rather than seeking scientific or health information. This study aimed to investigate the effect of e-health literacy training based on self-efficacy theory on the effective use of virtual social networks among first-year Afghan high school students in Mashhad.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study used multi-stage cluster sampling in a randomized manner to create intervention and control groups. A total of 104 Afghan girls and boys first-year secondary school students were randomly selected from four self-governing refugee schools in 2024. The intervention group (53 participants) attended four training sessions, while the control group (51 participants) did not receive any intervention. Data were collected before, immediately following, and three months after the educational intervention. The following questionnaires were used to collect data: a demographic information questionnaire; the standard Sherer self-efficacy questionnaire, which had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82; the standard e-health literacy questionnaire, which had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.88; and the standard social networking questionnaire, which had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.85. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was considere as P<0.05.
Results: Of the 104 participating students, 53 were in the intervention group (28 girls and 25 boys), and 51 were in the control group (26 girls and 25 boys). The age of participants in the intervention group was 13.55±0.50 years. Fifty two point eight percent of them had fathers with primary education, and 64.2% of them had fathers who were workers. Thirty five point eight percent them had illiterate mothers. A significant difference was found between students’ e-health literacy and their fathers’ level of education (P<0.05). A significant difference was observed in the effective use of virtual social networks based on the father’s job and income, and the mother’s education level (P<0.05). A significant difference was reported between self-efficacy and their father’s education (P<0.05). In the intervention group, E-health literacy increased from 16.85±2.61 to 29.15±1.89, The effective use of virtual social networks decreased from 50.04±15.05 to 37.57±8.38, and self-efficacy increased from 50.96±4.78 to 64.47±5.19, which was statistically significant (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings showed that education can increase students’ e-health literacy and self-efficacy, as well as their ability to effectively use virtual social networks. It is recommended that schools provide opportunities to strengthen e-health literacy through curricula and create supportive environments to increase students’ self-efficacy in effectively using virtual social networks. It is also better to consider the active participation of parents and teachers in designing interventions.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study used multi-stage cluster sampling in a randomized manner to create intervention and control groups. A total of 104 Afghan girls and boys first-year secondary school students were randomly selected from four self-governing refugee schools in 2024. The intervention group (53 participants) attended four training sessions, while the control group (51 participants) did not receive any intervention. Data were collected before, immediately following, and three months after the educational intervention. The following questionnaires were used to collect data: a demographic information questionnaire; the standard Sherer self-efficacy questionnaire, which had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82; the standard e-health literacy questionnaire, which had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.88; and the standard social networking questionnaire, which had a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.85. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was considere as P<0.05.
Results: Of the 104 participating students, 53 were in the intervention group (28 girls and 25 boys), and 51 were in the control group (26 girls and 25 boys). The age of participants in the intervention group was 13.55±0.50 years. Fifty two point eight percent of them had fathers with primary education, and 64.2% of them had fathers who were workers. Thirty five point eight percent them had illiterate mothers. A significant difference was found between students’ e-health literacy and their fathers’ level of education (P<0.05). A significant difference was observed in the effective use of virtual social networks based on the father’s job and income, and the mother’s education level (P<0.05). A significant difference was reported between self-efficacy and their father’s education (P<0.05). In the intervention group, E-health literacy increased from 16.85±2.61 to 29.15±1.89, The effective use of virtual social networks decreased from 50.04±15.05 to 37.57±8.38, and self-efficacy increased from 50.96±4.78 to 64.47±5.19, which was statistically significant (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings showed that education can increase students’ e-health literacy and self-efficacy, as well as their ability to effectively use virtual social networks. It is recommended that schools provide opportunities to strengthen e-health literacy through curricula and create supportive environments to increase students’ self-efficacy in effectively using virtual social networks. It is also better to consider the active participation of parents and teachers in designing interventions.
Mohammad Ahmadian, Zahra Molaei, Monireh Rahimkhani, Shaban Alizadeh, Fariba Nabatchian, Nasrin Dashti, Hamid Choobineh, Bahram Nikmanesh, Yoosef Erfani, Mehdi Zavvar, Reza Afrisham, Ziba Majidi, Alireza Latifi, Mohammad Ebrahimi Siahboomi, Azade Omidkhoda,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Preparing laboratory sciences students for clinical internship requires enhancing practical skills and effective review of theoretical topics taught in the early years. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a summer school for laboratory skills to improve students’ preparedness before entering clinical internships.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over two consecutive academic years (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at the School of Allied Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Departments of Laboratory Sciences, Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and Medical Information Sciences. Educational needs were identified through literature review and unstructured interviews. Subsequently, six specialized hands-on workshops were designed and conducted, covering Hematology and Blood Banking, Biochemistry, Immunology and Serology, Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hormone Assays. The quality of the courses was assessed with a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed based on a literature review and considering the research objectives. The face and content validity of this questionnaire was qualitatively reviewed and confirmed by experienced teachers (5 members of the faculty of the Laboratory Sciences Department), and its reliability was calculated and confirmed based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.92. The questionnaire items measured the level of student satisfaction with a 5-point Likert scale from completely disagree (1) to completely agree (5). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. The effect of the courses on the students’ competence after the internship was also measured with the questionnaire.
Results: Based on the results of the questionnaires completed by the students, 93.3% of the participants expressed their satisfaction with the overall implementation of the summer school. Further details showed that 91.6% of the students believed that the summer school was effective in improving their practical skills. Also, 78.8% of the participants gave a positive rating to the educational environment provided for practical learning, and 93.9% expressed their satisfaction with the supervision and feedback provided by the professors. Based on the results of the questionnaires after the end of the 12-unit internship, on average, 77.7% of the students stated that participating in the summer school increased their self-confidence and ability to perform laboratory tests during the internship. Also, 66.6% of the participants evaluated the course as an effective factor in improving their readiness to enter the clinical hospital environment. More than 90% considered the workshops useful for consolidating knowledge.
Conclusion: It seems that the summer school increased students’ satisfaction and preparedness for entry into the clinical environment. It is recommended that such programs be integrated into the laboratory sciences curriculum.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over two consecutive academic years (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at the School of Allied Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Departments of Laboratory Sciences, Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and Medical Information Sciences. Educational needs were identified through literature review and unstructured interviews. Subsequently, six specialized hands-on workshops were designed and conducted, covering Hematology and Blood Banking, Biochemistry, Immunology and Serology, Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hormone Assays. The quality of the courses was assessed with a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed based on a literature review and considering the research objectives. The face and content validity of this questionnaire was qualitatively reviewed and confirmed by experienced teachers (5 members of the faculty of the Laboratory Sciences Department), and its reliability was calculated and confirmed based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.92. The questionnaire items measured the level of student satisfaction with a 5-point Likert scale from completely disagree (1) to completely agree (5). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. The effect of the courses on the students’ competence after the internship was also measured with the questionnaire.
Results: Based on the results of the questionnaires completed by the students, 93.3% of the participants expressed their satisfaction with the overall implementation of the summer school. Further details showed that 91.6% of the students believed that the summer school was effective in improving their practical skills. Also, 78.8% of the participants gave a positive rating to the educational environment provided for practical learning, and 93.9% expressed their satisfaction with the supervision and feedback provided by the professors. Based on the results of the questionnaires after the end of the 12-unit internship, on average, 77.7% of the students stated that participating in the summer school increased their self-confidence and ability to perform laboratory tests during the internship. Also, 66.6% of the participants evaluated the course as an effective factor in improving their readiness to enter the clinical hospital environment. More than 90% considered the workshops useful for consolidating knowledge.
Conclusion: It seems that the summer school increased students’ satisfaction and preparedness for entry into the clinical environment. It is recommended that such programs be integrated into the laboratory sciences curriculum.
Gholamreza Nouri, Sobhan Ghafourian, Golnaz Nosratpour,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of human infection. Most infected individuals develop chronic active gastritis, which can lead to gastric ulcers, atrophic gastritis, gastric cancer, and gastric MALT lymphoma. Antibiotic resistance is a multifaceted problem and encompasses medical, social, economic, and anthropological domains. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains in clinical settings has raised concerns among public health authorities. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori to amoxicillin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and clarithromycin in the gastroenterology clinic of Razi Hospital, Ilam.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted over a period of 1 year on patients suspected of having infection caused by Helicobacter pylori who were diagnosed and treated in Razi Hospital as an inpatient or outpatient. In this study, a group of 50 people suspected of having gastrointestinal infections were selected for endoscopy. The obtained categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, while continuous variables (age) were analyzed using Student’s t-test in SPSS software, with a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: A total of 50 patients were studied. None of the 50 patients had taken antibiotics during the previous month. Of these, 25 (50%) were men and the rest were women. The mean age of men in this study was higher than that of women, but this difference was not statistically significant (P-value=0.097). Of the 50 samples collected, 13 were confirmed as Helicobacter pylori based on a combination of positive rapid urease test (RUT), culture, biochemical testing, and genotypic verification via PCR. The PCR test result in all 13 cases was positive. Thus, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among patients who had referred to the hospital with gastrointestinal symptoms was 26%. In addition, the test result did not differ statistically significant according to the patient’s gender. Antibiotic sensitivity and resistance testing showed that all 13 samples studied (100%) were resistant to metronidazole and amoxicillin. Ten out of 13 samples (76.9%) were resistant to tetracycline and levofloxacin, and 12 samples (92.3%) were resistant to clarithromycin.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that H.pylori resistance to metronidazole and amoxicillin is high, and resistance to clarithromycin is also significant. Therefore, the choice of treatment regimen should be guided by local resistance patterns. Due to the small number of positive isolates, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution, and larger studies are required for generalization.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted over a period of 1 year on patients suspected of having infection caused by Helicobacter pylori who were diagnosed and treated in Razi Hospital as an inpatient or outpatient. In this study, a group of 50 people suspected of having gastrointestinal infections were selected for endoscopy. The obtained categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, while continuous variables (age) were analyzed using Student’s t-test in SPSS software, with a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: A total of 50 patients were studied. None of the 50 patients had taken antibiotics during the previous month. Of these, 25 (50%) were men and the rest were women. The mean age of men in this study was higher than that of women, but this difference was not statistically significant (P-value=0.097). Of the 50 samples collected, 13 were confirmed as Helicobacter pylori based on a combination of positive rapid urease test (RUT), culture, biochemical testing, and genotypic verification via PCR. The PCR test result in all 13 cases was positive. Thus, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among patients who had referred to the hospital with gastrointestinal symptoms was 26%. In addition, the test result did not differ statistically significant according to the patient’s gender. Antibiotic sensitivity and resistance testing showed that all 13 samples studied (100%) were resistant to metronidazole and amoxicillin. Ten out of 13 samples (76.9%) were resistant to tetracycline and levofloxacin, and 12 samples (92.3%) were resistant to clarithromycin.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that H.pylori resistance to metronidazole and amoxicillin is high, and resistance to clarithromycin is also significant. Therefore, the choice of treatment regimen should be guided by local resistance patterns. Due to the small number of positive isolates, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution, and larger studies are required for generalization.
Vahideh Zarea Gavgani, Abdolrasoul Khosravi, Ali Hossein Ghasemi, Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi, Hossein Vakilimofrad, Fatemeh Sheikhshoaei, Azra Daei,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Continuous revision and updating of educational programs are essential to fulfill the primary mission of higher education. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the perspectives of stakeholders regarding the necessary changes in the BSc curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two phases using the Fuzzy Delphi technique and a survey method. Participants included professors, students, graduates, and relevant administrators in the field of Medical Library and Information Science. The number of participants were 41 in the first phase and 122 in the second. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist based on the last edition of BSc curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science in the first phase, which was developed lesson by lesson. In the second phase, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the first phase data was its data collection tool. Collected data were analyzed using fuzzy numbers, defuzzification, and descriptive statistics.
Results: The findings showed that the Basic courses comprised 19 credits (9 courses), of which only 11% were deemed necessary to retain, while 78% were identified as requiring deletion or major revision. The Core Courses (mandatory) comprised 65 credits (30 courses), with 20% considered essential to retain, 43% requiring review, and 37% requiring deletion or major revision. The Non-Core/ elective Courses comprised 12 credits (6 courses), and none of the elective courses achieved the required score for retention; 50 percent required revision and the remaining 50 percent required major revision or elimination. The highest necessity for course retention from stakeholders’ viewpoints was related to Sociology of Information in basic courses, Data Structures and Programming in core courses, and Introduction to Archiving in none core courses. In the second phase, updated teaching methods, inclusion of courses on evidence-based performance, critical thinking, artificial intelligence, and practical orientation of the Research Methods course were among the key findings.
Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity of curriculum revision in BSc curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science. The curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science is expected not only to keep pace with developments in digital health and emerging technologies but also to adopt an interdisciplinary and skill-based approach. This requires changes in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two phases using the Fuzzy Delphi technique and a survey method. Participants included professors, students, graduates, and relevant administrators in the field of Medical Library and Information Science. The number of participants were 41 in the first phase and 122 in the second. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist based on the last edition of BSc curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science in the first phase, which was developed lesson by lesson. In the second phase, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the first phase data was its data collection tool. Collected data were analyzed using fuzzy numbers, defuzzification, and descriptive statistics.
Results: The findings showed that the Basic courses comprised 19 credits (9 courses), of which only 11% were deemed necessary to retain, while 78% were identified as requiring deletion or major revision. The Core Courses (mandatory) comprised 65 credits (30 courses), with 20% considered essential to retain, 43% requiring review, and 37% requiring deletion or major revision. The Non-Core/ elective Courses comprised 12 credits (6 courses), and none of the elective courses achieved the required score for retention; 50 percent required revision and the remaining 50 percent required major revision or elimination. The highest necessity for course retention from stakeholders’ viewpoints was related to Sociology of Information in basic courses, Data Structures and Programming in core courses, and Introduction to Archiving in none core courses. In the second phase, updated teaching methods, inclusion of courses on evidence-based performance, critical thinking, artificial intelligence, and practical orientation of the Research Methods course were among the key findings.
Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity of curriculum revision in BSc curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science. The curriculum of Medical Library and Information Science is expected not only to keep pace with developments in digital health and emerging technologies but also to adopt an interdisciplinary and skill-based approach. This requires changes in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum.
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