Journal of Health Information Management
Year:2012 | Volume:8 | Issue:5 (21)|Papers Count:19

Introduction: Hospital Information Systems (HISs) have positive effects on patients’ treatment process and organizational function. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of services provided by such systems. The aim of this study was to assess and compare HISs in Isfahan hospitals, Iran based on the DeLone and McLean Model adjusted.Methods: This was an applied, analytical-descriptive study performed in public and private hospitals of Isfahan in 2010. Research population consisted of system users and designers and authorities of hospital information technology, directors and managers of official and clinical departments equipped by such systems. While users were selected by random sampling (n=300), census method was used for the other two groups (n=212). Data was collected using a questionnaire designed by the researcher based on three criteria (system quality, information quality and user satisfaction). It was adjusted to DeLone and McLean model. Content validity of the questionnaire was verified by faculty members as well as computer science specialists. The reliability of the questionnaire was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and data was analyzed by SPPS.Results: According to our findings, mean scores of system quality, information quality and satisfaction were significantly different between various kinds of HISs, as well as between different hospitals (P<0.05). Total mean scores of system quality, information quality and satisfaction for all HISs were 58.6, 60.8 and 61.2, respectively.Conclusion: According to the results of this research, the criteria of HISs have been implemented in a rather optimum condition. Thus in order to reach desirable conditions, it is necessary to pay particular attention to factors improving system quality, information quality, type of specialty in a hospital, and users’ expectations and specialty when designing HISs.

Introduction: Quality in higher education requires assessment and judgment of goals and strategies, executive policies, operational processes, products and outcomes. The context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model is a comprehensive perspective to determine, obtain and prepare.It always tries to provide information in order to make the best decisions related to context, input, process and product. This study aimed to evaluate the Master’s course of Medical Records Education using CIPP pattern.Methods: This applied, descriptive, evaluative research was conducted at four Iranian universities of medical sciences in 2010. Statistical population included five sub-populations of group managers, faculty members, students, graduates and librarians (n=140). Five researcherdeveloped questionnaires based on Likert rating scale were used for data collection among the five subgroups. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient formula was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaires (a=0.74, a=0.93,  a=0.89, a=0.95 and a=0.95, for the abovementioned subgroups, respectively). Content and face validity of the questionnaires were also assessed by reliable scientific textbooks and viewpoints of experts and professors. Finally, data analysis was done through descriptive statistics and SPSS.Results: Maximum level of desirability belonged to faculty members (4.84) in the field of input (human resources). Minimum level of desirability was seen for budget (2.50) in the field of input (financial).Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the continuous evaluation of medical records groups and medical records education courses would determine the strengths and weaknesses of the programs and improve their quality.

Introduction: Student admission indicators typically depend on either student fields or current career needs in the society. In addition, specific fields have particular requirements. The main aim of this study was to determine student admission indicators for studying medical records at different levels in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2007.Methods: This analytical study used a questionnaire and checklists to collect data from Medical Records students, staff members and faculty of Department of Medical Records, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. To analyze data SPSS was used.Results: A total number of 586 students achieved higher diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’ s degree during 1989-2006. However, unfortunately half of the staff members in the Department of Medical Records have a high school diploma or a lower degree. Chi-square test showed that positions in the department did not match with the qualifications of the personnel. On the other hand, the indicators related to student admissions, allocation of resources to students and faculty members were desirable.Conclusion: The indicator of allocation of facilities and resources to students was very good and the number of academic members was desirable. However, with the new courses of master’s degree the Department of Medical Records needs to take advantage of a larger number of more qualified faculty members. In addition, considering the sufficient number of educated people in the field of medical records, only individuals with related educations should be employed at department of Medical Records in all health centers in Isfahan.

Introduction: Self-citation is considered as one of the greatest shortcomings of citation analysis.Although self-citation is natural for journals, its excessive use would eliminate the journal from evaluations made by databases. This study examined the rate of self-citation of Iranian scientific medical journals in English indexed in Scopus Citation Index during 2005-2009.Methods: This descriptive survey used citation analysis. The study population included scientific medical journals (n=16) published in English and indexed in the Scopus database. Data was collected using a researcher-developed checklist whose validity was confirmed. Through direct observations and referring to Scopus Citation Index, the titles of journals were searched and their resources were evaluated. Data was analyzed by SPSS and Excel.Results: Based on the results, the average rate of self-citation among the studied journals was 29.64% while 14.43% of the total citations were self-citations. The highest and lowest rates of self-citations belonged to Hepatitis Monthly Journal (100%) and Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences (6.88%), respectively. In addition, highest and lowest rates of self-citations were observed in 2009 (42.34%) and 2005 (13.95%), respectively.Conclusion: The mean rate of self-citation is relatively high among Iranian journals, i.e. it is very close to the self-citation limit in the world. The rates increased by 300% since the first studied year (2005) to the last year (2009). Thus, journals should reduce this rate and try to attract more citations from other journals.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to visualize the scientific structure of multiple sclerosis (MS) during 1999-2008 and to use scientometric indicators for analysis of MS-related scientific publications indexed in Web of Science Database.Methods: This survey tried to visualize data as a scientometric method. A total number of 17737 MS-related articles published during 1999-2008 were extracted from Web of Science Database and saved as text files on personal computers. The files were then analyzed by ISI.exe, Microsoft Excel and HistCite.Results: The highest number of the extracted articles was published in 2008 (12.85%). The articles published have been in 17 languages, with English possessing the highest proportion (94.63%). Authors’ collaboration coefficient (CC) raised from 0.71 in 1999 to 0.76 in 2008.Articles with 2 to 6 authors had the highest frequency (60.6%). According to Lotka’s law, more than 70% of authors (8824 author) have published one article while a small number (n=64) have published 10 to 40 articles. About 10 universities and institutions (15.63%) participated in the production of 15.63% of articles. Harvard University produced 2.41% of the publications and stood the first. The United States produced 6370 articles (36%) and ranked the first and the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy ranked the second to the fourth, respectively. Mean number of citations among the 100 effective articles was 324.Conclusion: The results showed that 95% of the articles have been published in English. Despite the participation of different countries in the production of articles, more than one third of articles have been produced in the United States. According to the results, 10 countries have published more than 97% of the articles and Harvard University had the highest frequency. Ten journals have published 4845 article (27.30%). Lotka’s law was confirmed and the collaboration coefficient (CC) was equal to 0.739 which indicates the growing trend of cooperation. Finally, by HistCite was used to draw the scientific map based on which effective authors and thematic clusters were determined.

Introduction: In recent decades, abilities related to emotional intelligence attracted the attention of many organizations and researchers. Emotional intelligence provides a favorable environment for effective communication. It is a means by which users can express their needs and expectations to receive support from librarians. This study determined the relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills of librarians in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2011.Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, data was collected by standardized questionnaires of Queendom Communication Skills and Shrink Emotional Intelligence. Statistical community included 117 librarians of academic libraries in Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. Subjects were selected by census sampling. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed by face and content validity and coefficient of Cronbach’s alpha (r=0.86, r=0.92). Data was collected by interviews. Data was analyzed by SPSS16 and two levels of descriptive (mean±SD) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test).Results: Our results showed that mean of emotional intelligence and its components in librarians of Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were less than average. However, self motivation component of emotional intelligence in Isfahan University was more than average.All aspects of communication skills among librarians of Isfahan University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were higher than average. There was a significant and positive relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills of librarians of Isfahan University (r=0.525, P<0.001) and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (r=0.515, P<0.001).Conclusion: This research showed a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and communication skills. Therefore, high level of emotional intelligence among librarians leads to favorable communication between librarian and users. Librarians with abilities necessary for emotional intelligence offer services which satisfy most users. It can be concluded that having a desired level of emotional intelligence is the necessary factor for librarians to have favorable communication with users. Emotional intelligence can be improved by specialized courses.

Introduction: Much of activities in today’s world are based on information and less time is dedicated to gain experience and knowledge. Therefore, different organizations compete based on their knowledge. In such a situation, knowledge management provides necessary tools to improve the performance of human resources and creates competitive advantages. This paper sought to determine the relationship between the components of knowledge management and organizational intelligence in schools of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.Methods: This descriptive, correlational study included the employees of different schools at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (n=380) during 2009-2010 from which 130 subjects were selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected by a researcher-developed questionnaire and the Organizational Intelligence Survey provided by Karl Albrecht. Both face and content validity were assessed to determine the validity of the questionnaire. In addition, reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (r1=0.86, r2=0.92). Data was analyzed using SPSS16 at two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Knowledge management and organizational intelligence levels were less than the average level. A significant correlation was found between scores of knowledge management and organizational intelligence components. Moreover, the mean difference of components of knowledge management and organizational intelligence based on demographic characteristics was significant at a level of P£0.05.Conclusion: Organizational intelligence among the schools of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences would be improved by means of application of up-to-date knowledge, distribution, exchange and sharing knowledge, and awareness of environmental factors.

Introduction: Appraiser is the main interface between the performance appraisal system and those being appraised. Their views and behaviors have different effects on the performance of the evaluation system, as well as the reactions subjects of the appraisal make toward the system and their subsequent performance. Hence, appraisers need to be trained enough regarding the appraisal. Therefore, the present research reviewed the role of training managers and decisionmaking network (appraisers) in evaluating the new appraisal system of government employees in Isfahan hospitals, Iran.Methods: This was an applied cross-sectional study in which all managers and decision makers of hospitals associated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (198 subjects) were included.Data was collected by a questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by testretest.The validity of the questionnaire was approved by the opinions of experts as well as a Cronbach’s alpha equal to 0.95. Data was then analyzed by Pearson correlation test, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and backward linear regression in SPSS.Results: Findings of this study indicated no significant relation between management experience among managers and decision-makers and their viewpoints toward the new appraisal system of government employees. However, a positive relation was observed between the history of participating in training courses and opinions toward the new appraisal system of employees. The appraiser’s experience only had a positive relation with his viewpoints toward the effectiveness of the system in evaluating organizational framework of the hospitals.Conclusion: Training can improve the opinions of appraisers, as one of the most important elements of the appraisal system, and result in correct and effective evaluations.

Introduction: In today’s world which is full of competition and technological progress, employees should be encouraged to improve their skills in order to prevent personal drawbacks and to survive and promote their organization. Therefore, a plan called "The path for job promotion among nurses and health care professionals" was approved and executed in hospitals. In the present study, the relationship between implementation of this plan and hospital performance indicators was examined.Methods: The present descriptive-analytical research was implemented in hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran in the summer of 2009. The scores of various titles and indicators obtained by people liable to the abovementioned plan (approved by the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education) in 2008 were calculated and their relationship with hospital performance indicators (percentage of occupied beds, average hospital stay of the patients and bed rotation) in the same year was evaluated. To analyze the data, Kendal correlation coefficient was used in SPSS11.Results: The plan consists of three general titles including factors related to personal skills and abilities (training courses, education, experience and responsibility), factors related to the individual’s performance (clients’ satisfaction, quality of services, establishment of health principles, presenting recommendations, and training colleagues), and other factors (presenting books and articles, researches, services in rural areas, encouragement and appreciation). Among these titles and indicators, there were only significant relationships only between clients’ satisfaction and the percentage of occupied beds (P=0.02), establishment of health principles and bed rotation (P=0.04), services in rural areas and the percentage of occupied beds (P=0.01) as well as average hospital stay of the patients (P=0.02).Conclusion: Based on our results, the plan could not achieve its main objective, i.e. improving individual and thus organizational performance. Therefore, its design and execution need to be reviewed and evaluated again. It is recommended to provide scores based on valid principles and documents. In addition, to promote competitiveness, 65% of the scores should be allocated to nurses and other health positions that gained higher scores.

Introduction: Ethical climate is a part of organizational culture. Organizational values deal with ethical issues and determine what is considered ethically correct. The ethical climate of an organization can predict unethical and ethical behaviors. This study aimed to investigate and model the structural equations between the intention to quit and ethical climate, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment among the staff of Shiraz private hospitals, Iran.Methods: This was an applied, descriptive correlational research conducted in spring, 2010. The study population consisted of 299 employees of private hospital departments who were selected by cluster random sampling. Data was collected by 4 standard questionnaires whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. Collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS16. Structural model equation analysis was performed by Lisrel8.5.Results: The findings revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between ethical climate and job satisfaction (r=0.235), organizational commitment (r=0.334). A negative correlation was found between intention to quit and ethical climate (r=-0.114). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between job satisfaction and organizational commitment (r=0.625). Negative correlations were observed between intention to quit and job satisfaction (r=-0.359) and organizational commitment (r=-0.292). In addition, structural model equations demonstrated that job satisfaction and organizational commitment had direct effects on intention to quit.Conclusion: Structural equations modeling provided a framework of variables to improve satisfaction and commitment in private hospitals of Shiraz by promoting ethical climate for keeping staff.

Introduction: Good relationships between patients and doctors and other health professionals have long been seen as the bedrock of patient satisfaction. In addition to important health care outcomes, health systems must also meet the non-medical expectations of the community. This study aimed to survey the accountability and non-medical service provision in selected hospitals in Isfahan, Iran.Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective study conducted in eight selected public and private hospitals in Isfahan during 2010. The statistical population included 320 inpatients and nurses selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected was by the World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by professors and administrators. The reliability of the questionnaire was also calculated to be 0.89 by Cronbach’s alpha. Data was analyzed by SPSS.Results: The mean score of accountability from the viewpoints of nurses and patients was 2.3±0.54 and 2.48±0.58 (out of a maximum of 4), respectively. Nurses and patients respectively considered confidentiality (2.41±0.8) and access to social support during the hospitalization period (2.62±0.9) as the best aspects of non-medical services. However, choice of therapist and physical facilities of the treatment centers were determined as weak points by the patients and nurses, respectively.Conclusion: Since patients and nurses had almost identical perceptions toward the non-medical services. Therefore, in order to enhance service quality, which is of great importance to the WHO, more attention needs to be paid to accountability mechanisms and better quality services.

Introduction: Outsourcing in health care sector is a cost-effective strategy that can lead to increased quality of services provided to patients. The aim of this study was to determine the types of outsourced services in educational hospitals in Isfahan, Iran and to investigate the viewpoints of managers about the impact of outsourcing.Methods: This descriptive survey was carried out in 2010. Research population was all senior managers of educational hospitals and the Treatment Deputy of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (n=60). Data collection tool was a checklist and a questionnaire about factors related to outsourcing. The reliability and validity of the checklist and questionnaire have been confirmed (a=0.80). Data is analyzed with SPSS18 software.Results: Among the treatment-paraclinical items, inpatient wards, physiotherapy, radiology and ultrasound had the highest rates of outsourcing (33%). Among non-medical services, housekeeping and facility engineering maintenance had the largest rates of outsourced units (100%). Of 60 managers, 53 agreed to answer the questionnaire (response rate=88%). In managers’ view, paying more attention to internal and external customers in private sector (57.2%) was the most important advantage of outsourcing. However, increased costs increase for patients (45.6%) was the most important disadvantage. Moreover, they considered forgetting the goal of outsourcing (efficiency) (60.6%) as the main barrier.Conclusion: Overall, managers thought outsourcing in health services organizations as rather acceptable. However, they also believed the barriers in implementation of outsourcing needed to be removed first. Fundamental infrastructure developments such as making competing market, promoting outsourcing-related culture, education, modifying the attitudes of managers and establishing incentive policies are required for successful implementation of outsourcing.

Scientific collaboration usually demonstrates the quality of activities performed by collaborating researchers and institutes. Sharing expertise and experience is one of the main methods of high quality science production. Lack of collaboration leads to institutional isolation and prevents science expansion. Indices proposed for collaboration measurement so far do not assess the level of cooperation in achieving the main goal of the research groups and their scientists. On the other hand, a scientist’s maximum achievement will be made when he works as part of a team with a defined goal and a team succeeds most when it focuses on a defined subject. Therefore, only collaborations that are formed for promotion of the goals of the team would be considered constructive. Here, we propose two new indices, entitled "collaboration h-index" and "collaborating researcher h-index", to measure the degree of collaborative activities among departments and researchers.

Introduction: Implementation of hospital information system (HIS) depends on the complete organizational change in which most effective factors need to be considered. Since the most important factor is human resources, training, survey, information and acceptance of the staff toward the HIS are also essential issues. We investigated the implementation of HIS in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran.Methods: This descriptive study evaluated the implementation of HIS in the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia during 2008. The data were collected from all HIS users (n=178) by a researcher-developed questionnaire. Validity of the questionnaire was approved by specialists and its reliability was accepted with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 74%. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS. The results were evaluated by descriptive statistical techniques (frequency) and presented in tables and charts.Results: The results showed that half of the users participated in a training workshop about HIS among which nurses had the highest rank (36.5%). However, most user needs were not satisfied (70.5%). In addition, 88.1% of the employees were not invited to decision-making sessions before the implementation of the system. Moreover, 86.9% of the opinions provided by the employees before the implementation of HIS were not used. The necessity of implementation of HIS was not explained to 58.5% of the users. The acceptance rate among the staff about HIS was 47.5%.Conclusion: Humanity, training, planning, and information need to be considered in HIS implementation. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are also required to be taken into account as essential factors whose abilities and skills can be used in HIS implementation to promote information quality and patient care.

Many researchers in the universities are engaged in research and science production. Although the results of their researches are often released as articles in professional journals, long and technical reports are doubted to be comprehensible for those who need to use them."Executive summary", as a short report derived from the final research report, is a format especially developed for knowledge users who affect or are affected by researches (research stakeholders).This short article reviewed the content and usage of executive summary in available online resources. It finally suggests executive summaries to be included in all research in addition to final reports.