[Identification of key capabilities for effective implementation of knowledge management in hospitals with structural equation modeling approach]

Knowledge management is a significant determinant for the survival of organizations. Identification of key success factors and an effective approach facilitate decision making on knowledge management. This study aimed at identifying factors and indexes for effective implementation of knowledge management in hospitals to investigate their relationships through a conceptual model and confirmatory factor analysis technique. This study was divided into two parts. The first part was exploratory which involved a literature review and an exchange of ideas with experts to identify indexes. The second part was a survey which included data collection through a questionnaire and the use of structural equation modeling for data analysis. The population consisted of managers, vice-chancellors and physicians at public and private hospitals in Tehran. The samples were selected randomly. LISREL software was used for data analysis. According to the results, four factors of process, structural-cultural, technological, and managerial capabilities were effective in knowledge management at the significant level of 0.01, and managerial capability had a mediating role. Furthermore, the presence of clear objectives at the beginning of a knowledge management project, available information technology infrastructure, employment of a special team for knowledge management implementation and participation, and the support from senior managers appeared to be the most effective factors. According to the results, all four factors influenced the effective implementation of knowledge management in hospitals and deserve proper attention. Previous studies showed disproportionate growth in technological factors whereas other factors were overlooked

[Effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on fatigue, nausea and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrheal]

Because of importance and outbreak of dysmenorrhea and Its effect on life of 50% of population in the world[women], this study was done. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Stachys lvandulifolia on fatigue, nausea, and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrhea. This was a randomized clinical trial performed on 50 women aged 18-25 years and 50-60 kg whight suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting were evaluated by visual analogue scale [VAS]. Initially, the study population was requested to consume the Stachys lvandulifolia flowers at a dose of 10 gr of brewed powder three time a day and for a total of 5 days [2 days before pain to 3 days after pain], based on a common traditional administration. Later, the members of both groups were followed up for three cycles. Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting as well as the side-effects were evaluated following consumption of brewed powder of Stachys lvandulifolia flowers. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and chi-square test. Following consumption of Stachys lvandulifolia the level of fatigue considerably reduced among test group and the difference was significant [p=0/000], statistically. Likewise, a significant difference in severity of nausea between the test and control groups was shown [p=0/006]. No statistically significant difference regarding the severity of vomiting was established between two groups. According to our data, it could be concluded that the use of Stachys lvandulifolia, based on a traditional administration, causes favorable therapeutic effects by reducing the degree of fatigue and nausea in primary dysmenorrhea with no obvious side-effect yet with no effect on vomiting

[Effect of powder of stachys ivandulifolia flowers on primary dysmenorrhea]

Because of importance and outbreak of dysmenorrhea and that's effect on life of 50% populations in the world [women], this study was done. This study was performed to evaluate therapeutic effects of Stachys Ivandulifolia on primary dysmenorrhea in 18 - 25 years old women. This research was a double - blind randomized clinical trial, that had been done on 50 women in 18 - 25 years old and 50 - 60 kg in weight that suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Intensity of pain was evaluated by visual analog scale [VAS]. Stachys Ivandulifolia was given them as a traditional method. Such as lOg of powder of stachys flowers, three times a day, for 5 days [2 days before pain up to 3 days after pain]. Then they were followed up for three cycles. Duration and intensity of pain and side effect of drugs was evaluated after utilization. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, chi-square. After Utilization, duration of pain was statistically significant [p=0/000]. It can be concluded that the use of Stachys Ivandulifolia on traditional method is effective in curing primary dysmenorrhea and it has no side effects resulting. In addition, it is effective on pattern of pain and increases tolerance

Effects of allopurinol on the left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with left ventricular failure

Efficacy of xanthine oxidase inhibitors on the improvement of cardiac performance is not clearly defined. This study was designed to study the efficacy of allopurinol on the improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] in patients with chronic heart failure. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was performed on two groups of patients suffered from class II to III heart failure of New York Heart Association classification. 16 cases were in intervention group who intake allopurinol [100 mg/day in the first three days, 200 mg/day in the second three days and 300 mg/day for one month]; 15 cases were in control group and intaked placebo like case group. Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by echocardiography with Simpson's method and compared before and after the intervention. The mean of LVEF before and after intervention, in case group were 38.8 +/- 9.9 and 41.9 +/- 9.7 respectively [p0.05]. In intervention group EF was increased 3.1% from base level. Allopurinol can be effective in improvement of cardiac performance. However its clinical use for heart failure patients needs to be approved by more trials, in various situations and longer periods