ABSTRACT
Introduction: In Emergency Departments [ED], seconds and minutes are vital for the patients. Therefore, a logical decision making is crucial to manage the patients' waiting time. Simulation, a decision supporting technique, is used to analyze risk factors and strategies in decision making. The purpose of this research was to apply this method to reduce patients' waiting time in the ED at Ayatollah-Kashani Hospital
Methods: The population of this applied- analytical study included the patients referred to the ED at Ayatollah-Kashani Hospital in Isfahan during May 2008. Having recognized the patients' workflow, the researchers gathered the required data concerning the time of patients' arrival and service delivery at various stations for 663 patients during 2 weeks. The data were used to design a simulation model for the ED using simul8 software. The validity of the model was verified through comparing the results obtained from the manual system with those from the simulation model which led to the formation of the finalized model
Results: The results showed an increase in the waiting time when implementing alternatives 2, 9, 10 and 12 while a decrease was observed in other alternatives. In alternatives 6 and 13-17, the total waiting time decreased more than the other alternatives. The most amount of reduction was observed in alternative 15, so much so that the waiting time of receiving emergency services reduced from 112.19 to 99.24 minutes. This could be due to the placement of an intern student at Eye- Nose-Throat [ENT], Neurology, and Orthopedic stations which caused reduction in the waiting time from 38.89, 13.31 and 12.13 to 26.54, 6.58 and 5.98 minutes, respectively
Conclusion: Since health care managers, especially in the ED, are mostly physicians not experienced enough in statistical analysis, it is essential to provide them instruments with which they can readily achieve scientific approaches to reduce costs and patients' waiting time. Applying various research methods such as simulation can satisfy these goals
ABSTRACT
Introduction: One of the important elements in education is monitoring and evaluation of the courses to ensure that their contents are based on the real present and future needs of students. This study aimed to compare Old and New Methods of holding "Research Seminar" in the master program of medical records education. The results can determine the type of corrective actions required
Methods: The population of this applied/educational study included students studying in "Medical Records Education" in both the first and the third periods of the Faculty of Medical Management and Information Sciences in Isfahan during 2009-2010. The data were gathered by means of forms and tables [the validity of which was approved by seeking the related expert opinions] as well as through brain storming in several sessions during six months of intervention. Data analysis was done based on ranking of content and teaching methods [before and after the intervention] and using the Expert Choice software and Analytical Hierarchy Process technique
Results: According to the findings the New Method ranked higher compared with the Old Method with respect to both knowledge production and application for the students
Conclusion: Training should be changed according to learner needs. As in today's living conditions, community needs are constantly changing; it is recommended that universities and other educational centers regularly improve the content of their teaching courses
ABSTRACT
With huge advances in information technology, in general, and health care services in particular during the past 20 years, various forms of electronic records have been introduced, designed or implemented. This study aimed to review the status of readiness assessment in the implementation process of electronic records with a detailed focus on required and associated areas and to provide a guideline for Electronic Health Records [EHR] directors and executers. Although making health records automatically has many advantages, in some cases, the creation of an electronic health records system seems a complicated task. Electronic health readiness assessment, performed prior to implementation, is considered as an essential process. Readiness assessment is a method used for assessing various aspects of an organization and evaluating the preparedness of each component in the organization. The benefits gained from assessment leads to correct decision making. The outcome can be used to identify deficiencies in the existing electronic health records and to provide solutions. Thus identifying factors and requirements of this assessment seems to be essential