[Effectiveness of multimedia based on education and traditional methods on life quality of hemodialysis patients]

Introduction: Hemodialysis patients require effective education to improve their quality of life. Flexible educational strategy via internet [computer] is essential

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of multimedia based education and traditional methods on life quality of hemodialysis patients

Methods: In this quasi- experimental study, all of the patients [n=62] who referred to four hemodialysis centers in Tabriz City from May to Sept 2013 were divided randomly in tow groups, intervention and control. Quality of short life questionnaire [Sf-36] were completed before and three months after the educational program. The intervention group navigated their way through the Research Development Hemodialysis and Essentials Care Application using laptop during their hemodialysis. The control group received the same content in the traditional way [face to face education and pamphlet]. Data were analyzed by conducting the independent- and the paired samples t, the Chi-square, and ANOVA tests

Results: There were no statistically significant difference between the study groups in pre- and post-education life quality mean scores, but inter group comparison findings showed that all post-education quality of life scales mean scores had changed statistically in both the intervention and control groups except Apperception general health scale [p>0/05]

Conclusion: The Hemodialysis and Essentials Care application based education can improve patients' life quality as well as traditional method. This application could be used to facilitate the patient education process to improve their life style

Second generation of HIV surveillance system: a pattern for Iran

For the purpose of minimizing the HIV/AIDS epidemic effects, one of the programs is the promotion of scientific methods and setting of the suitable surveillance systems. The present research was conducted to design the HIV/AIDS surveillance system in Iran applying WHO recommendations and the experience of some countries. In 2009, based on the country's requirements, the HIV/AIDS surveillance system was proposed and designed for Iran. The Delphi technique was utilized to find the views of experts. Data analysis was conducted based on a comparison of the attributes of the HIV/AIDS surveillance systems in the countries under consideration using a descriptive and theoretical analysis. The model was approved obtaining the final score of 36.3 out of 44, viz 82.5%. Designing and performing of the HIV/AIDS surveillance pattern in the direction of "second generation of HIV/AIDS surveillance" can be considered as an important step in the improvement of the patient's control and precaution of HIV/AIDS

Problems of health insurance systems and the need for implementation of a reform approach

Heann care has always been considered as one of the basic needs of human communities. Health insurance is the best choice for establishing social justice in health care settings. Preliminary studies on insurance systems in Iran show that these systems suffer from serious problems. This study was an attempt to identify system problems and review the necessity for adopting a reform in health insurance systems of Iran. In this descriptive and exploratory study a questionnaire was used to collect data by reviewing reliable sources and referring to health insurance organizations and Medical Universities. The population included 24 university subject specialist informants and managers of health insurance organizations. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were measured by content validity and test-retest method [r=0.84]. The main challenges of health insurance systems were related to the process of integration of health insurance systems. These problems can be classified as dimensions of policy making, rules and regulations, organizational structures and funding. Reforming health care and insurance systems stems from both health decision making and strategies. It seems that the creation of a coordinated information infrastructure is the main challenge for the integration and ultimately the reform of health insurance systems in Iran

[Organizational structure of the health information management departments in hospitals: a new model for Iran]

To provide a new, appropriate model for organizational structure of the medical records departments [MRDs] and information functions in hospitals in Iran. This was a Two-Phase study: the first phase was a situational analysis of the current organizational structure model of MRDs in Iranian hospitals. In the second phase, through a comparative study of three developed countries, the US, England and Australia, a suggested model was developed and its validity was evaluated using the Delphi technique by means of a valid and reliable questionnaire. The first phase showed that the current organizational structure of Iranian MRDs is not appropriate for the efficient management of health care information. In addition, there were no appropriate structures to provide comprehensive information management services. The findings of the Delphi technique showed that most of the experts believed that the restructuring MRDs was necessary and that the majority were agreed the model purposed and considered it to be appropriate and applicable for Iranian hospitals. The restructuring MRDs in Iranian hospitals are necessary and the approved model can improve the health information management processes in Iranian hospitals. Indeed, the implementation of the model is strongly recommended