[ effect of the implementation of quality management system [ISO 9001: 2002] on the improvement of the performance of medical records department in Shiraz Namazi hospital [2003-2005]]

Nowadays, new attitudes of clients, patients and students toward the quality of health care services, have led to unifying different systems in educational centers, which has been recognized as quality management system. The ISO standard series have created systems that integrate intra and inter organization processes to improve the quality of health services. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of implementation of ISO 9001:2000 on the improvement of the performance of Medical Records Department in Shiraz Namazi hospital during 2003-2005. In This descriptive study, data were collected through two custom-designed checklists and two questionnaires filled by observing the process of activities and documentation and interviewing managers, staff and members of the quality management system committee. There was no sampling and data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The implementation of ISO standards had led to the documentation of responsibilities and administrative guidelines, clarification of patients' and staff's rights and determination of indexes for evaluation of admission, filing and coding units. However, it had failed to improve educational processes. Although implementation of ISO 9001:2000 has been successful at improving the physical environment, personnel, facilities and equipments of the department, promotion of statistics department, use of fire extinguishing system, Periodic control of coding and filing systems for continuous improvement of ISO standards should be considered

managers and the personnel's viewpoints in five training hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences about the applications of medical records

Health information plays a vital role in managers decision making and planning. Health information in the form of medical records is also useful for caregivers, quality assessment, financial payments, legal measures, education, research and planning. In this study we examined the managers and personnel's viewpoints about the application of medical records. It was a descriptive study in which a questionnaire was used to collect data. It was given to all the personnel and managers of medical records department and it included 24 items. The questionnaire was examined for its validity and reliability. The most frequent use of medical records was in legal affairs and its least frequent use was to promote the community health level and prevent diseases. Regarding the critical role of medical records, it seems essential to monitor information recording, use new information systems and adhere to quality development policies to make use of medical records more effectively