Showing 35 results for Quality
Alireza Soloukdar , Amir Ashkan Nasiripour, Shaghayegh Shafie Sabet,
Volume 10, Issue 6 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Growing the number of private institutions offering health care and fierce competitive market conditions in the private hospitals industry cause to pressure these hospitals to provide high-quality services. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of service quality on patient satisfaction in private hospitals of the Guilan province.
Materials and Methods: Based on standard model of Büyüközkan et al (2011) a new dimension professionalism to SERVQUAL model was added that has used six dimensions including tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and professionalism as the dimensions of service quality. The number of samples was 360 patients hospitalized in four private hospitals and a standard questionnaire was used to assess the quality of services. Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Simple and Multiple Linear Regression was used to analyze the data and then by using ANOVA and Duncan’s and by Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process technique, ranking of private hospitals was performed.
Results: Four dimensions: tangibles, responsiveness, empathy and professionalism on patient satisfaction have been found to be effective while Components of trust and assurance in private hospitals of the Guilan province had no significance effect.
Conclusion: Based on the effects of service quality dimensions except trust and assurance recommend that hospitals can increase patient satisfaction if they pay special attention to patient in empathy, updating facilities and technology in tangibles, fast response to patient in responsiveness, employing professional and skilled human resources in professionalism dimensions.
Ali Naghi Kebriaee , Rahim Rozbahany, Mojtaba Ahmadi, Parisa Farnia , Donya Malekshahian, Ali Akbar Velayati,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (7-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: To improve the quality of laboratory services, World Health Organization (WHO) introduced ISO15189 standard. So, this study aimed to investigate implementation of the standard at Mycobacteriology Research Center (MRC) and determination of its adaptation.
Materials and Methods: At the first step, 12 organizational blocks of the laboratory was assessed by completion of the standard questionnaire. By implementation of the software and audit surveillance the second step was completed. Consequently, the given results were analyzed using SPSS Version 16.
Results: By implementation of Quality Management System (QMS) at the three known focal points (pre analytical¸ analytical and post analytical), MRC was scored 80–100% points during 2013-2014; whereas previous QMS of the national reference TB laboratory (NRL) ranged from 48% to 79%
Conclusion: This study was the first of our knowledge in stepwise implementation of ISO15189 standard in Iran. Internal evaluation of the standard, our NRL ranked as a 5 star laboratory. We seeked international evaluation to accreditation of the national reference TB laboratory.
Yousef Mohammadzadeh, Narges Taghizadeh, Elmnaz Nazariyan,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (7-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: When there is a big difference among income groups in a society, public health and healthcare costs may be affected through multiple channels. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of inequality and poverty (and other socio-economic characteristics of communities) on public health indicators and the structure of cost payments.
Materials and Methods: The present applied descriptive study has been conducted in 34 countries of the world (in terms of having regular data about income inequality) during 1995-2012 using a panel data approach. Eviews 9 software was used to estimate the models. The estimates were done in separate models for health indices and the related costs.
Results: Income inequality and poverty on the one hand reduce public health, and on the other hand increase people’s share of healthcare payments. Besides, the level of education promotes the community’s public health and reduces direct out-of-pocket and private payments. However, population density in large cities leads to the increase of private health expenditure and direct out-of-pocket payments.
Conclusion: On the path of economic development, we should pay special attention to income inequality among the members of society. Following inequality and higher relative poverty, mental and emotional problems deepen in society, and the health of individuals is seriously damaged. Byweakening the efficient management of health sector, this issue increases the individuals’ direct out-of-pocket payments and, therefore, doubly deteriorates public health.
Davood Feiz, Amin Kohyari Haghighat , Koorosh Kohyari Haghighat ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (7-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent years, the growing importance of health care has led to a focus on improving the quality of services, and healthcare centers have paid attention to it as a strategic competitive advantage. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of improving the quality of services in the promotion of brand performance in healthcare industry.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 392 patients of Tehran hospitals were selected through cluster sampling. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used for data analysis. Also, to compare public and private hospitals, independent samples t-test was used.
Results: Research findings indicate that the desirable quality of services has a significant positive effect on brand equity; and brand equity has a meaningful effect on brand preference, repurchasing and brand performance. Moreover, brand preference has a significant effect on brand performance and the decision to repeat purchasing. In the end, the meaningful effect of repurchasing decision on brand performance in healthcare industry was confirmed.
Conclusion: According to the results, it can be stated that considering healthcare improvement plans, hospitals can enhance their brand among many healthcare centers. This entails both the promotion of community’s health and the increase of profitability.
Moustafa Rabeian, Iravan Masoudi Asl , Hamed Nazari, Samad Azari,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (7-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Total quality management (TQM) is defined as a system for the assurance of delivering high-quality and cost-effective services. In this regard, due to their service role, hospitals are important in external economic changes. This study was performed to measure the executive backgrounds of total quality management (TQM) in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) teaching hospitals in 2012.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in TUMS hospitals. The data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire, and were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: The findings of this study showed that the dimensions of trustworthiness (3.25±0.88) and the beauty of environment (3.06±0.87) got the highest scores; however, the speed of giving services (2.40±1.04) got the lowest scores. In addition, the executive grounds of TQM implementation were “moderate to low” in the studied hospitals with an average score of 2.88± 0.74.
Conclusion: According to the results, total quality management requirements are in a moderate-to-low condition in the studied hospitals. Although managers’ attitude towards TQM is rather positive, it is necessary to improve the quality of services, performances and processes through culture building, creating positive attitudes in managers and employees, providing trainings related to quality improvement, increasing the commitment of top managers, attracting staff participation, promoting innovation and creativity, and evaluating the quality of services.
Pardis Rahmatpour, Sara Emamgholipour, Mohammad Taghi Moghadamnia , Maryam Tavakkoli ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health and equal access to quality care regardless of age, gender, race and location is health systems' goal in all countries. This study aimed to determine inequality in healthcare services distribution and development level of cities in Guilan province.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed the distribution state of 13 healthcare indicators in all cities of Guilan (n=16) in year 2011 and 2013. In order to collect data, the database of Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) was used as reference. The taxonomy technique was employed to determine the degree of development of different cities. In addition, indicators were weighed by Shannon’s entropy. Finally, TOPSIS was used to rank the cities in term of access to health sector resources.
Results: Taxonomy technique in 2 years showed that Rudbar, Rudsar and Lahidjan were of most developed cities and Talesh, Rezvanshahr and Amlash were the most under-developed cities respectively. After weighting indicators and according to Shannon entropy, the number of specialists and paramedics gained the most and the least weight, respectively.
Conclusion: Due to the inequality in distribution of health resources in Guilan province, attention to underdeveloped cities in this province should be a priority. To achieve equitable health resources in Guilan, it is recommended that the plannings be based on state of development of cities.
Somayeh Fazaeli , Mehdi Yousefi , Zahra Sadat Ershadnia ,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the scope of tasks and the role of teaching hospitals in the promotion of population health, it is important to consider their responsiveness as one of the three goals of health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level and relative importance of responsiveness domains in teaching hospitals from the viewpoint of households living in selected areas of Mashhad.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a valid questionnaire designed by World Health Organization (WHO) was used. From among the households of two selected areas of Mashhad, 561 families that had the background of referring to teaching hospitals were selected via multi-stage sampling. Based on WHO pattern, descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: About 50 percent of the respondents expressed the level of responsiveness as good and very good. Information confidentiality domain and the quality of amenities got the highest and lowest ranks from the respondents’ viewpoint, respectively. The highest and lowest importance belonged to the domains of quality care facilities and family and social support, respectively.
Conclusion: Considering the relatively low responsiveness of different domains and also the existing gap between families’ priorities and performance of teaching hospitals, it seems necessary that policymakers pay more attention to patients’ priorities such as the quality of care facilities and the creation of appropriate educational content related to medical students. Also, periodic evaluation of responsiveness can be useful in promoting the responsiveness of teaching hospitals.
Masoumeh Erfani Khanghahi, Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar,
Volume 11, Issue 5 (1-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With the increasing number of elderly people, quality of their life is important . The purpose of this study was systematic review and meta-analysis of the quality of life in elderly Iranians using LEIPAD questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: Required information was searched on internet using terms such as quality of life, LEIPAD, elderly, older people, aging, older Age from databases of PubMed Scopus, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Persian equivalents of SID, Medlib, IranDoc, MagIran, IranMedex from 2000 to 2015, has been searched. The criteria for entering the study were: published articles in Persian and English languages, and mentioning at least the total score of quality of life Meta-analysis software: CMA: 2 was used.
Results: From three hundred and forty eight articles found, 8 articles finally entered the study. In general, the results showed that the overall average quality of life of older people was [52.2-64.7 95% CI] 10.1 ± 58.5. The average overall quality of life of the elderly in the community was 15.5 ± 57.6. The average overall quality of life for the elderly in nursing homes was 29.7 ± 60.1. Aspects of self-care and mental dimension had higher scores. sexual functioning , depression and anxiety scores were lower.
Conclusion: The results showed that quality of life in elderly Iranians is average, therefore planning and effective interventions are needed. More attention to aspects of sexual functioning and depression and anxiety in the planning and intervention is necessary
Fereydoon Azadeh, Seyed Javad Ghazi Mirsaeid, Nadia Motamedi, Mohammad Zarei,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ranking of hospital libraries based on standard criteria and taking pattern of top libraries would improve the quality of library services. The purpose of this study was to rate hospital libraries based on LibQual criteria and Vikor model.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a survey method. The statistical population was 3850 actual users of the library of 8 governmental hospitals (with capacities up to 320 beds) in Tehran in 2016. To achieve the goals, The LibQual questionnaire and AHP technique were used. The validity of both questionnaires has been confirmed in various studies. Cronbach's alpha coefficient greater than 70 percent For LibQual questionnaire and inconsistency rates less than one percent for Vikor questionnaire confirm the reliabilities. Data analysis was performed using the expert choice software. Ranking were done using the Vikor technique.
Results: According to three main dimensions for LibQual, "library as a place" weighing 0.379 was the first preference, and "quiet space for individual activities" weighing 0.364 was the first in this dimension too. The dimension of "information control" weighs in 0.318 at the second, and "service impact" weighs 0.303 was in the third grade. In the ranking based on the Vikor criteria, the Library of Firoozgar hospital was in the first place.
Conclusion: The library of Firoozgar hospital in Iran university of medical sciences was the forefront and could be an exemplar for the other libraries.
Mohammad Arab, Ebrahim Jaafari Pooyan, Abbas Rahimi Forushani, Azam Sadat Rivandi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The quality of healthcare services is determinant in patients’ improvement process, upgrading their satisfaction, ranking healthcare centers, and preventing patients’ repeated referrals leading to more costs for healthcare centers and insurance companies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of services -- from the perspective of patients -- given by the laboratories having contract with Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO).
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the opinions of 302 patients having referred to the laboratories in contract with IHIO in Tehran were surveyed with a researcher-developed questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used to analyze and report the results.
Results: The sample included 43.5% males and 56.5% females. Most of the participants were married (71/3%). Based on the results, the patients' perception of the quality of laboratory services was 78%. Their expectation of services was 85%. The gap between perception and expectation of clients in all dimensions was statistically significant (p<0/001).
Conclusion: The gap between clients’ perception and expectation in all dimensions suggests that there is some room for improving the quality of laboratory services. The results of this assessment can surely affect the way IHIO treats with laboratories in terms of extending contracts and strategic purchase of services from these centers. In addition, patients' opinions will be important in improving the quality of services.
Elahe Behmani, Rastegar Hoseini, Ehsan Amiri,
Volume 14, Issue 6 (1-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system, of which the symptoms and problems reduce the quality of life. Recent research has identified sport exercises as an important part of healthy lifestyle in reducing the symptoms of the disease and improving the quality of life; however, the most effective type of exercise is not yet clearly known. The aim of this study was to provide information about the beneficial effects of exercise in MS patients and guidelines for prescribing exercise programs for them.
Materials and Methods: This article is an overview of the ways different sport exercises affect MS. To access scientific articles, databases of PubMed, SID, Google Scholar, and Mag Iran, and the keywords including multiple sclerosis (MS), aerobic training, resistance training, and combined training were used.
Results: Recent reports show that different types of sport exercises lead to a significant increase in the improvement of MS symptoms, although there are many discrepancies between researchers in prescribing different exercise programs (various training protocol, duration, and intensity). However, according to the results of studies, regular moderate-intensity exercise training leads to the functional benefits and improvement and control of the disease process without exacerbation of inflammation through various physiological mechanisms. thus, contrary to popular belief, modulated exercise training can have beneficial effects on MS patient.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, regular exercises (aerobic, resistance and combination) with moderate intensity improve the symptoms of MS and increase the quality of life.
Ali Reza Heidarian Naeini, Ghahraman Mahmoodi Alemi, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (8-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent years, the family physician plan has been implemented as a main strategy of health system in Iran. Therefore, the necessity to reform organizational structure based on experiences of other countries is felt more than before. The aim of this study was to explore required structures of Family Physician Program to achieve service quality dimensions in Primary Health care through analyzing country experiences.
Materials and Methods: This study was a systematic review. All relevant databases were searched using appropriate search strategies and keywords (Family Physicians, Primary Health Hare, Quality of Care). To evaluate the quality of selected papers, CASP tool was applied by 4 experts, and their choices were discussed to reach a final decision.
Results: In order to achieve the quality of services in the field of family medicine, based on the findings of this study, eight important executive structures must be considered. These structures are: Organizational and managerial structures, including health system governance, Support mechanisms and referral system, Systematic communication platform, Electronic health services, Service delivery processes,Insurance structure, Supervisory and control structure including financial control mechanisms, competitive control and quantitative control, Payment structure, quantitative and qualitative development structure of service providers, Quality structure that includes the definition and evaluation of quality and accountability mechanisms as well as incentive mechanisms for service quality, Support structure including insurance support, classified support for specific groups, and finally, the cultural structure in the two areas of culture building of the referral system and strengthening the position of family physicians.
Conclusion: Quality improvement in primary health care requires attention to executive structures. Use of executive experiences of other countries will be useful in achievement of quality health care in family physician system.
Amin Jalili Sarqaleh, Mohammad Azizi, Kianosh Khamoshyan,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease of myelin sheath degradation that reduces the quality of life in patients. Recent studies emphasize on the effect of exercise and natural supplements on the improvement of disease symptoms and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks combined training at home with red grape juice supplementation on quality of life in women with Multiple Sclerosis.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 women with MS in the age range of 20-40 years were voluntarily selected and divided into 4 groups: training (n=12), supplement (n=12), training+supplement (n=12) and control (n=12). Combined training included 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week for 60 minutes of endurance and resistance training with an intensity of 10-12 rate of perceived exertion. Subjects consumed 250 cc of grape juice supplement with 68% concentration for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. The control group engaged in their daily activities. Quality of life was measured with standard questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) 48 hours before and after the end of the study.
Results: Eight weeks of intervention made a significant change in the quality of life. Based on the correlation t the results were as follows training groups (P=0.001)(7.1%), supplement (P=0.001)(10.5%) and training+supplement (0.000), There was a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test (P≤0.05). But the changes in the training+supplement group were more than the other groups (P=0.000)(13.3%). In addition, based on the results of one-way analysis of variance, the amount of changes between the groups was also significant (P≤0.05). There was a significant difference between the training group and the control group, supplement group and supplement+training group (P≤0.05). Also, the supplement group had a significant difference with the exercise group and the control group, but there was no significant difference with the supplement + training group (P≥0.05). A significant difference was observed in the supplement+training group with all groups except the supplement group (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, women with Multiple Sclerosis can use combined training at home with red grape juice supplement to improve their quality of life.
Nillofar Moradi, Mohammad Azizi, Elham Niromand, Worya Tahmasebi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic high blood sugar and insulin resistance. In general, the global increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes is caused by poor nutrition and inactivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of combined exercise with quinoa supplementation on fasting blood sugar, appetite and quality of life in women with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 36 women with type 2 diabetes were divided into 3 groups: exercise+supplement (n=12), supplement (n=12) and control (n=12). The exercise+supplement and supplement group consumed 25 grams of cooked quinoa seeds for 3 days a week. The exercise+supplement group also did combined exercise for 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Exercise was performed with an intensity of 10-12 pressure perception. The Persian version of the quality-of-life questionnaire was used to measure the quality-of-life index and the appetite questionnaire was used to assess appetite. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the interventions, measurements and questionnaires were completed. One Way ANOVA, LSD post hoc and paired t were used at the significance level of P≤0.05.
Results: According to the results of 8 weeks of intervention in the exercise+supplement group (P=0.001)(2.59%) and the supplement group (P=0.04)(1.54%) compared to the control group (P=0.32)(1.54%) caused a significant reduction in Fasted blood sugar. There was also a significant decrease in appetite index in the exercise+supplement group (P<0.001)(54.20%) and the supplement group (P=0.001)(60.31%) as compared to the control group (P=0.11)(7.91%). Quality of life data also showed a significant increase in this index in the exercise+supplement group (P=0.008)(5.95%) and supplement group (P=0.002)(3.80%) as compared to the control group (P=0.10)(0.99%).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of combined exercise with consumption of quinoa seeds has a positive and improving effect on fasting blood sugar index, quality of life and appetite in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Akram Hemmatipour, Ali Hatami, Azam Jahangirimehr, Foruzan Jelodari, Zahra Mehri,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: There is a correlation between disease and quality of life in patients with chronic disease and physical disorders have a direct effect on all aspects of quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of family-centered empowerment model based on multimedia education on the quality of life of children with thalassemia.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 120 patients along with their parents, who had medical records at the thalassemia center of Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital in Shoushtar, were selected according to the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups of intervention and control (n=60) by random allocation. Subjects were matched in terms of age and gender. The data collection tools included Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Ped-SQL) and researcher-made questionnaires of awareness and self-efficacy in the area of thalassemia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon statistical tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: Out of 120 children who were included in the study, 87 were girls (72.5%), the mean age of these children was 9.74±2.25 years and disease duration was 5.35±4.47 years. In this study, in terms of children’s quality of life and its dimensions, after the implementation of the educational model, a significant increase was observed compared to pre-test phase only in the intervention group (P<0.001). After implementing this model, the level of knowledge (P<0.001) and self-efficacy of parents (P=0.003) was faced with a significant increase, and this significance was also observed compared to the control group (P<0.001). The variables of age, gender, disease duration and parents’ education level had no effect on parents’ self-efficacy and knowledge as well as children’s quality of life (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the implementation of family-centered empowerment programs based on multimedia education among parents of children with thalassemia improved the quality of life of these children by increasing the knowledge and self-efficacy of their parents. It is suggested that this program be implemented on a wider scale with better facilities for parents and the family members.
