Showing 27 results for Elham
Zahra Kashani Khatib , Ali Dehghanifard , Saeid Kaviani , Mehrdad Noruzinia , Momeneh Mohammadi , Fatemeh Mohammad Ali , Elham Roshandel , Sahar Mohammadi Fateh , Shaban Alizadeh,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the increased levels of HbF inducing drugs should be advised for effective induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular effects of the drugs thalidomide and sodium butyrate considered as HbF inducer agents.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, CD133+ cord blood stem cells carrying mutations of heterozygous β-thalassemia were isolated and differentiated into erythroid lineage. In order to evaluate the expression of the erythroid markers, CD71 and CD235a, was analysed. For this purpose, the RNA extracted from erythroid precursors at days 6 and 12 of erythroid differentiation and cDNA synthesized, and then the expression of these genes was performed by quantitative Real-time PCR technique.
Results: The results of this study showed the significant effect of thalidomide on erythroid proliferation as compared to sodium butyrate and control group (P<0.05). Also, thalidomide significantly increased CD71expression and decreased CD235a expression as compared to sodium butyrate and control groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion : Thalidomide may play its role on HbF induction by increasing the proliferation of early erythroid precursors.
Mostafa Saberian , Elham Shahidi Delshad , Tahereh Naji , Ali Samadikuchaksaraei ,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The use of probiotics has been surveyed in different studies. For example, many researches have been conducted on immunity, cancer and embryonic cells proliferation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a rather slower growth and a more limited number of passages. In this research, the effect of supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LS) as one of the most commonly used probiotics on the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells has been studied with the aim of increasing their proliferation for the treatment of patients in need of transplantation using mesenchymal stem cells.
Materials and Methods: The MSCs separated from rats’ bone marrow were led to bone and fat levels in the second passage, and their mesenchymal state was confirmed. The cells were then treated by the supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LS) and MRS broth medium, which have been separated in advance. The number of cells was examined by MTT test equated with the standard.
Results: A curve was drawn for the cells’ growth in different amounts and the number of cells was obtained by converting the results of MTT test to a standard curve. For statistical analyses, SPSS and ANOVA were employed.
Conclusion: The findings show the double effect of LS on the weak effect of MRS broth medium. The use of supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LS) can be a practical and economical method for increasing the proliferation of MSCs isolated from bone marrow.
Seyed Jamallodin Tabibi, Mahmoud Reza Gohari, Elham Gholami,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (2-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The study of human resources flexibility impact on hospitals performance indicators can be effective on hospitals performance improvements. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between human resources flexibility and hospitals’ performance indicators of Islamic Azad University.
Materials and Methods: The present research was a descriptive-analytical research that has been induced cross-sectionally in 2013. The statistical sampling has been selected randomly, and class assignment among 108 nurses, and supportive employees in five hospitals of Islamic Azad University. Data collection tools was hospital’s performance indicator forms, and flexibility questionnaire based on Right and Esnel. The process of data analysis has been done using SPSS software and by descriptive statistical indicators and correlation tests.
Results: The studied employees had low flexibility. The total studied hospitals were in undesirable situation from the perspective view of bed occupying and bed rotation ratio. Finally, there were not any meaningful relationship between human resources flexibility and hospitals performance indicators.
Conclusion: According to low flexibility of human resources of Islamic Azad University hospitals, the policies should be made in order to coordinate human resources process with human resources flexibility strategies. Furthermore, human resource for the purpose of creating flexibility and hospital subsidiaries of Islamic Azad University performance improvements could be clearly effective in such hospitals situation promotion.
Mohammad Zakaria Kiaei, Mohammad Azmal, Faramarz Kalhor, Elham Shah Bahrami, Rohollah Kalhor,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (2-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nurses’ main tasks include the provision of healthcare services at the highest levels of quality and quantity standards, and based on the findings of scientific research. The aim of the present study is to identify and determine the barriers of evidence-based practice among nurses of Qazvin hospitals, in Iran, at 2013.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional research was a descriptive- analytic study conducted among 260 nurses practicing in six hospitals of Qazvin in 2013. The barriers scale questionnaire developed by Funk, et al. was used to examine the four dimensions of evidence-based practice (EBP) barriers including adopter, organization, innovation and communication characteristics. To analyze the data, descriptive and analytic statistics were used.
Results: The mean score of EBP barriers among subjects was 3.07 out of 4. Among the barriers, "organization" and "adopter" dimensions had the highest and lowest mean scores, respectively. There was no significant statistical relationship between gender and EBP performance, But a significant relationship was observed between organizational dimension with age, employment type and work experience.
Conclusion: Since “organization” was found to be the main barrier to the use of research in nursing performance, policy-makers and administrators should pay attention to the use of research in performance, the establishment of a research culture in organization, the creation of appropriate infrastructures, and the allocation of sufficient time to the nursing personnel to have access to evidences.
Fatemeh Sheikhshoaei, Elham Zohreh Kermani , Arezoo Ghamgosar, Tahereh Sadeghi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the elements of knowledge management (availability, creation, and transfer of knowledge) is very important in digital libraries websites and makes the performance better. So this paper aim to identify the knowledge management criteria in Iranian selected digital library's websites and study of observance scale
Materials and Methods: The research method was descriptive survey and from applied research type. Data collecting has been based on check list according with K-ACT model (Knowledge- Access Creation Transfer). The population of this study was 7 digital library websites, including Noor, Payame noor, Islamic Parliament, Tebyan, DID, National Digital Library of Iran and Astan Quds Razavi that were selected based on accessibility.
Results: This research findings showed that use of knowledge management criteria in the selected digital libraries websites is moderate and the access to website criteria is highest and lowest is online participation criteria. Tebyan DL earned first rank among seven libraries with 56 percent compliance with the standards of knowledge management in the digital library's web sites.
Conclusion: Study of knowledge management criteria in the selected digital library websites has shown that these criteria has not been favorably applied that it stems from criteria incompatible with the principles, rules and standards. Due to these problems, designers of digital libraries can be effective in promoting these websites and enhance the quality of digital library services with aware of users’ needs and attention to use of these criteria.
Reza Safdari, Marjan Ghazi Saeedi, Mostafa Sheykhotayefe , Mohammad Jebraeily, Seyedeh Sedigheh Seyed Farajolah, Elham Maserat , Roya Laki Tabrizi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (5-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The most important issues that always absorb accuracy and effort of hospital, is the mastery and control over the financial status for the hospital resources management. In all countries, the medical centers are considered as a vital community resource and must be managed in line with the interests of society. Hence, these studies aimed to investigate the causes of insurance deductions and were made to assist hospital administrators in reducing the deductions against them.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive research is retrospective study in year 2012. The study population consisted of 100 insurance experts deployed in insurance centers (including Health care’s, Social security, Armed forces, Help Committee) from which 25 experts were randomly selected from each Insurance Center. Researcher madden questionnaire was used to collect data. For validating of questionnaire justifiability, questionnaire was provided to insurance expert, professors and ambiguities were resolved. Test-retest procedure was used to ensure the Stability of the questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed and classified using Excel software.
Results: These findings indicate that between all parts of surgery wards deductions are the highest (%45/55), and between surgery wards, orthopedics surgery had the highest amount of deductions (%40/75).
Conclusion: Healthcare provider should be more careful and minimize documentation errors in reporting and documentation. Also the hospital administrators for reducing deductions against patient records must provide educational course for correct documentation.
Rahmatollah Marzooghi, Heidari Elham,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (7-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: To fulfill its mission, the health system needs reform in various sectors including supervisory areas. That is because the quality of supervision can have various consequences such as increase or decrease of innovative self-efficacy through various factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explain the mediator role of perception of organizational justice in the relationship between abusive supervision and innovative self-efficacy.
Materials and Methods: This is a correlational descriptive-analytical study. The sample included 225 employees of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, who were selected through random sampling. The research instruments were questionnaires of abusive supervision, innovative self-efficacy and perception of organizational justice, which were distributed among the sample after calculating their reliability and validity.
Results: The results showed that abusive supervision had a significant negative impact on the perception of organizational justice and employee’s innovative self-efficacy. Also, the perception of distributive justice has a significant positive impact on innovative self-efficacy and a mediation role in the relationship between abusive supervision and innovative self-efficacy.
Conclusion: In order to enjoy innovation, health-oriented organizations should reduce abusive supervision in managers’ and supervisors’ behavior; therefore, with the increase of employees’ feeling of innovative self-efficacy, they can lead to the realization of the mission of these organizations.
Elham Ranjbar , Kumarss Amini,
Volume 11, Issue 6 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important factors in hospital infections, especially in patients with immune deficiency and Childhood diseases. The Virulence of bacteria are due to the presence of the Pyoverdine gene, which has many effects on the wild type of bacteria during the pathogenic pathway. Identification of different classes of PVD gene is necessary for the development of prevention and control Diseases program. In this research, the presence of PVD genes in the samples and their effect on pathogenicity was isolated and investigated.
Materials and Methods: In the present study 60 Species of P. aeruginosa was isolated from clinical samples of human and animal, after approval by diagnostic tests and differential, were studied. Finally, for every 60 Species, isolated, Multiplex PCR was performed to detect target genes. Multiplex PCR method is to be considered as the gold standard. Its results are more reliable.
Results: The results showed that the frequency of PVD gene in human isolates and livestock gene encoding the 3rd Pyoverdine was the highest frequency with 76.6% the lowest frequency is for Pyoverdine class 2 with 46%.
Conclusion: As a result, the identification of three type’s genes of PVD classes in all strains tested by Pseudomonas could help to identify human patients and livestock with Pseudomonas infection and, given the presence of the gene encoding PVDs, has a direct relation to important bacterial pathogenicity.
Arash Rashidian, Efat Mohamadi, Taraneh Yousefinezhadi, Elham Dadgar, Sedigheh Salavati, Zahra Beigom Seyed Aghamiri,
Volume 12, Issue 5 (Dec & Jan 2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The starting point for any research is the problem-solving and Research Needs Assessment is needed to identify the underlying issues. This study was conducted to determine the research priorities of the Deputy of Health of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: The present study was an applied study that was designed and implemented in five stages; 1. holding a workshop to teach nominal group technique; 2. Carrying out interviews and the primary extraction of research priorities; 3. Conducting the first round of nominating sessions; 4. holding the second round of nominal group meetings, 5. Finalizing research prioritization titles. Data were analyzed by Excel and Spss version 19 software.
Result: This study was conducted with the participation of 38 people. At first, 1039 minutes of interview, 258 original research titles were extracted. Initial research titles were scored during the 4 sessions. At the end, 75% of the participants rated the 21 study points as 7-9, which were considered as research priorities. The titles "Investigating the root causes of maternal death" was the most priority and "the assessment of the effectiveness of the screening of hypothyroidism" was the least priority.
Conclusion: According to findings, there is consensus among stakeholders on research priorities that require investment in generating knowledge related to health goals. Managing the research resources of the organization towards implementing these priorities will lead to a rational allocation of resources for the production of knowledge and applied products, and ultimately to improve the health of the population.
Nahid Einollahi, Reza Safdari, Marsa Gholamzadeh, Elham Haghshenas, Horieh Masourian,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Oct & Nov 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Mobile-based programs have been developed as tools to help both patients and physicians in various fields especially in dermatology. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to review the features and contents of dermatology applications.
Materials and Methods: The methodology was comparative and descriptive. Applications in the field of dermatology were evaluated and compared through this research. Inclusion criteria included applications that have been downloaded more than 100 times in Google Play and App Store and applications designed in diagnosis in various fields of dermatology such as treatment, management, remote consulting, and self-care areas. Exclusion criteria included those developed before 2010 and those related to the non-dermatology areas. Besides, different features were considered for comparison based on literature review and expert consultation. Next, the recognized applications were reviewed and compared based on determined categories.
Results: Based on criteria, a total of 33 applications were identified through searching. Of these, 33.3% of Apps were in the field of education, and 24.2% were in self-care. Regarding disease, applications were categorized into nine different domains. Of these, 61% of applications were covering different types of skin diseases. Also, in examining the frequency of the features of the evaluated programs, providing recommendations and suggestions with 57.57% and educational contents and the possibility of uploading images with 51.51%, respectively, had the highest frequency among the features of the programs.
Conclusion: Analysis showed that education and self-care domains have a high rank among others. It indicates that developing such applications could facilitate patient education and self-management by himself or caregivers. However, this area needs more attention and the using health information technology capabilities to make applications smarter in this area.
Atefeh Helmi Siyasi, Nahid Bijeh, Elham Hakak Dokht, Gholam Rasul Mohammad Rahimi,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Recent studies indicate that increased body iron stores have been associated with the development of glucose intolerance and type 2 Diabetes. Ferritin is the most important iron storage protein in the body, which is used to evaluate disorders associated with iron metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training on serum ferritin level, glycemic and lipid indices in women with type 2 Diabetes.
Material and Methods: Twenty Diabetic women aged 45-55 years were selected voluntarily and divided into experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The experimental group participated in the aerobic training program for eight weeks, three 60-minutes sessions per week with an intensity of 55-65% of heart rate reserve. The control group did not participate in any activity during the intervention period. Serum ferritin, glycemic and lipid indices were evaluated before and after eight weeks and then data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Ferritin (P=0.012), insulin (P=0.004), fasting glucose (P=0.041), insulin resistance index (P=0.012), total cholesterol (P=0.041), and triglyceride (P=0.005) significantly decreased, while the mean of HDL(P=0.012) significantly increased in the experimental group. Moreover, the results showed that changes in ferritin (P=0.002), insulin (P=0.014), insulin resistance index (P=0.001) and TG (P=0.010) were statistically significant between the experimental and control groups.
Conclusion: Women with type 2 Diabetes can benefit from moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programs to improve their glycemic and lipid profile, as well as iron metabolism abnormalities.
Saman Mohammadpour, Reza Rabiei, Elham Shabahrami, Kamyar Fathisalari, Maryam Khakzad, Mostafa Langarizadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Jun 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, which leads to the death of more than 10 million people in the world every year. Its early diagnosis, management and proper treatment play an important role in reducing complications and mortality. One of the support tools in early diagnosis, treatment and management of this disease are Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), which are divided into two groups, rule-based and non-rule-based. Rule-based decision support systems are created based on clinical guidelines, while non-rule-based decision support systems use machine learning. In this research, the effects of decision support systems, rule-based and non-rule-based, on cancer diagnosis, treatment and management were measured.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted using a systematic review method, which was conducted by searching the Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE and PubMED databases until 12/31/2021. After removing duplicates and evaluating the characteristics of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies related to the goal were selected. The selection of articles was based on the title, abstract and full text The data collection tool was the data extraction form, which included year of study, type of study, system of body, organ of body, the service provided by the decision support system, type of decision support system, effect, effect index and the score of effect index. Narrative synthesis were used for data analysis.
Results: Out of 768 articles, 16 articles related to the objectives of the study were identified. Studies were presented in two categories of clinical decision-support systems: Rule-based and non-Rule based. The effects evaluated in the clinical decision support systems were Rule-based, dose adjustment, symptoms, adherence to treatment guidelines, care time, smoking, need for chemotherapy and pain management, all of which except pain management were significant and positive. The effects evaluated were in the category of non-Rule based clinical decision support systems, diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, controlling neutropenia, all of which were significant and positive except controlling neutropenia.
Conclusion: The results obtained for the effectiveness of both Rule-based and non-Rule-based decision support systems indicated different benefits of these two categories. Therefore, using their combination in the field of cancer can bring very useful results.
Nillofar Moradi, Mohammad Azizi, Elham Niromand, Worya Tahmasebi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Aug 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.
Saeed Nateghi, Ali Ganjali Khan Hakemi, Soheila Damiri, Samira Raoofi, Elham Haghshenas, Sara Akhavan Rezayat, Shamsi Ekhtiyar, , Maryam Radin Manesh,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (Dec 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Effective monitoring and evaluation of human resources in countries require an agreed set of indicators and measurement tools. Due to the existence of different payment mechanisms, this study aimed to identify performance evaluation indicators in hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in 2022. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, purposive sampling, and participation of 23 members of the Senior executives and financial team of hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences and analyzed by content analysis method using MAXQDA-10 software.
Results: Twenty-three experts participated in this research, 78.2% were men and 21.7% were women, and a total of 526 final codes were identified and according to the balanced scorecard management tool in 4 main themes of finance, customers, internal processes, and growth and Development. Also 8 sub-themes of resource efficiency with 86%, medical tourism with 52%, professional ethics with 65%, satisfaction with 78%, accreditation with 48%, diagnosis and treatment with 78%, education with 56% and The research was categorized with 78%.
Conclusion: The provision of optimal medical services requires managers to be aware of the performance of subordinate personnel, which makes it possible to choose the appropriate criteria, develop performance evaluation systems and conduct correct evaluation, informing Doctors regarding the indicators considered for more accurate evaluation are among the suggestions that can be a solution to the existing problems. Another important point considering the limited available resources is the role of doctors in the field of health tourism to which attention will lead to an increase in financial resources.
Marjan Ghazi Saeedi, Mohammad Amin Abbasi Eslamloo, Kobra Darabiyan, Elham Ataei,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the continuous progress in medicine, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is still a progressive, incurable and chronic respiratory condition that limits the patients’ functions in various dimensions, and significantly reduce their quality of life. In this way, self-care of patients and the use of related tools have a significant effect in disease control and treatment. The purpose of this research was design and development of an android-based application for COPD.
Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive developmental type with a practical approach. Initially, based on the study of library resources, guidelines, and the examination of the medical records of COPD inpatients in Firouzabadi Hospital, a questionnaire was designed to identify the information requirements, data items and features of the application. Then it was reviewed and finalized by a sample of 10 (randomized and convenience sampling) internal and lung specialist doctors in Firouzabadi and Hazrat Rasool hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and then scenario tables and UML diagrams were illustrated to show the overall flow of the application. The application was designed and developed using the Java programming language in the Android Studio 2021 platform. After installing the application on the mobile phones of ten COPD patients of the internal and pulmonary clinic of Firouzabadi Shahre Rey Hospital, and using it for a week, the opinions of the patients about the usability of the application were collected through the QUIS questionnaire, and analyzed.
Results: Application sections were determined following experts’ survey, personal information items, clinical information, disease management, reporting, and training points, which were provided to patients after design for use and evaluation. At the end of the research, the results of the evaluation of the usability and satisfaction level of the application showed that from the patients’ point of view, the application is at a good level with an average score of 1.8 (out of 10 points).
Conclusion: The developed self-care application can be used to increase awareness, help to manage the disease, increase the level of quality of life, and reduce the complications and disease burden for patients with COPD.
Fatemeh Mirshekari, Elham Maserat,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the growing trend of cancer in Iran, the development and implementation of digital health literacy systems accelerates the capabilities of digital health and the self-management process of patients. Digital health literacy means the ability to effectively and consciously use digital technologies to access health-related information and services. This skill plays an important role in accessing medical information, disease management, improving the quality of life of people, especially cancer patients. Digital health literacy is considered as one of the most key factors of equal access to digital health information. The purpose of the present study was to formulate the requirements of the digital health literacy system with a focus on cancer.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in two phases of literature review and validity and reliability of requirements in 2023. In the first stage, a literature review was conducted with the keywords of digital health literacy, cancer, requirements, system and application in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, academic Jihad scientific database and specialized websites. To check the content validity of the survey, 62 experts were surveyed and CVI and CVR were calculated.
Results: Hundered and twenty seven functional and non-functional components were approved. Requirements in the functional section was divided in six main dimensions information literacy module (8 functional components), information and communication technology literacy module (18 functional components), media literacy (5 functional components), public, specialized and population-oriented health literacy module (47 functional components) ), digital health literacy module (28 functional components), and digital health literacy module in cancer (6 functional components) were divided. In the section of digital health literacy in cancer, the main components of needs assessment, digital health literacy training, evaluation and monitoring of the effectiveness of digital interventions and information search skills were approved. Fifteen non-functional components were also approved. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient obtained (92%) indicated high reliability and reproducibility.
Conclusion: Digital health literacy systems can facilitate health care services. Considering the acceptable validity and reliability of the study, the defined requirements can be used to implement digital health literacy systems centered on cancer.
Elham Shakiba, Mahboobeh Sadat Fadavi, Mohammad Ali Nadi,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Smart power is the solidarity between science, knowledge and communication. With the advancement of technology, new space has been created in medical sciences. The aim of this research is Explaining the concept of Smart power and identifying its components in Universities of Medical Sciences
Materials and Methods: The current research was done qualitatively in 2023 using the grounded theory method. Deep and semi-structured interview was done with 13 faculty members of Medical Sciences Universities of the country selected through the purposeful and snowball sampling method and reached theoretical saturation. Strauss -Corbin method based on open, axial and selective coding was used for data analysis. To determine the accuracy and validity of the data, after coding the data, the opinions of six interview participants and six university professors who were familiar with the subject and method of the present research were sought.
Results: After the initial concepts were formulated, 77 open codes, 15 core codes, and five selective codes were identified for smart power. Strengthening artificial intelligence, e-health transformation, cross-border activities together constitute health technological responsiveness, are causal factors that affect the phenomenon of smart power. Actions that should be taken for smart power in medical universities, as strategies include technological innovation that is carried out with systematic technology, technological education, and research capacity building. Cyber management with technology-based performance, communication capability enhancement, information management are contextual factors that create special conditions for effective strategies. The conflict between tradition and modernization, information anxiety as organizational risks are intervention factors that interfere with and limit strategies. If the special conditions of strategies are provided and intervention factors are controlled, the outcome of strategies will be technological progress, development of communication network, integration of hard and soft power, and overall comprehensive health.
Conclusion: Using and developing this power, the policy makers of the health system will be able to solve problems such as the non-uniformity of health facilities in different regions, also the use of virtual university and electronic education, which will remove the time and place limitations and provide the opportunity for education to applicants in different parts of the country.
Akram Hemmatipour, Fatemh Karimi, Azam Jahangirimehr, Elham Abdolahi Shahvali, Mehdi Makvand,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (2-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: One of the most important medical problems in the whole world is chronic pain, which affects millions of people every year and they are not provided with proper treatment. Research shows that one of the consequences of chronic pain is emotional reactions such as anxiety, depression, and stress that occur due to the long-term effects of pain. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on the mental health and pain intensity level of patients with chronic pain.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 126 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and having entry and exit criteria from physiotherapy centers under the supervision of Shoushtar Medical Sciences Faculty were randomly divided into two groups of 63 intervention and control. The intervention group received the intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy for three months and 12 educational sessions. The patients of both groups completed the data collection tool, which included the numerical pain questionnaire (VAS) and the stress, anxiety and depression level questionnaire DASS21, before the intervention and one week after the completion of the educational intervention. To analyze the data, descriptive and parametric tests (paired t and independent t), Pearson correlation and covariance analysis were used using SPSS software.
Results: The average age of the participants was (46.12±27.16) years. The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy was associated with a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels (P<0.001) only in the intervention group, and this reduction was seen in the levels of stress (P=0.032), anxiety (P=0.030), and depression (P=0.015) compared to the control group. A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed in both groups (P<0.001). However, this reduction in the intervention group was not statistically different from the control group (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant correlation between the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and pain disability (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of using cognitive behavioral therapy in a group setting to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and pain intensity in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Zahra Ataei Barazandeh, Behzad Imani, Erfan Aubi, Elham Soltani, Mohamadreza Ebadian,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries worldwide. Most individuals undergoing this surgery are elderly patients, and the use of general anesthesia and additional medications can lead to complications during and after the surgery, as well as increased costs for patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl, as well as Midazolam and intravenous Sufentanil, on pain intensity, hemodynamic status, surgeon satisfaction, and the level of sedation in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients who were candidates for cataract surgery at Farshchian Sina Hospital in Hamadan. Sampling was carried out from March 10, 2023 to August 21, 2024. The intervention group received Dexmedetomidine and intravenous fentanyl, while the control group received midazolam and Sufentanil. Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation level, were measured. Pain intensity, surgeon satisfaction, and the level of sedation in patients were measured and recorded. The results of the research utilized qualitative and quantitative variables based on the study groups, using counts (percentages) and means (standard deviations). For the statistical analysis of these variables at baseline, chi-square tests and independent t-tests were employed. To assess the impact of treatment groups on pain throughout the study, repeated measures ANOVA was used, and the interaction between time and group was evaluated. In cases where the outcome variable under study was not normally distributed, non-parametric equivalents such as the Mann-Whitney test were applied. A significance level of P-Value<0.05 was considered. All statistical tests were conducted using Stata software.
Results: In the intervention group, heart rate and blood pressure decreased over time. Changes in heart rate and blood pressure had no effect on the patients’ recovery process. Oxygen saturation level in the intervention group did not change compared to the control group over time. The medication used in the intervention group did not cause shortness of breath or a decrease in oxygen saturation levels. Additionally, there was no significant difference in pain levels between the two groups. The level of sedation in patients and surgeon satisfaction in the intervention group was higher than the control group.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the research, it is recommended to use Dexmedetomidine in cataract surgery and other surgeries that require sedation.
Elham Maserat, Zeinab Mohammadzadeh, Zahra Mahmoudvand, Hasan Siamian, Pourya Taghizadeh, Azadeh Yazdanian,
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.
