Key Health Information Technologies and Related Issues for Iran: A Qualitative Study

Health information technology foresight for Iran: A Delphi study of experts' views to inform future policymaking

BACKGROUND

Policymakers require a systematic approach when planning for information technology needs in healthcare.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to obtain experts' predictions of future health information technology (HIT) needs until 2025 for Iran in relation to the relative importance of key technologies, expected timeframe of realisation, areas that may be impacted upon and obstacles to achieving these goals.

METHOD

This article presents results from the third phase (a Delphi study) of a larger mixed-method study. Policymakers from the Iranian Ministry of Health and faculty members from different medical universities across the country who were expert in the field of HIT were invited to participate (n = 61).

RESULTS

Participants (39) completed the first-round questionnaire and 24 completed the second. The development of personal health records (n = 32, 82.0%), the development of clinical decision-making systems (n = 30, 76.9%) and the use of business intelligence for collecting and analysing clinical and financial data (n = 32, 82.0%) were predicted to occur after 2025. The healthcare areas predicted to experience the greatest impact from most HITs were facilitating patient-provider communication and improving healthcare quality. Key barriers to achieving HITs were related to weaknesses in planning and limited financial resources for most technologies.

CONCLUSION

By identifying the areas of impact and the barriers to achieving the HIT goals, more accurate planning is possible and resources can be allocated according to priorities.

Mobile-Based Technology for the Management of Chronic Diseases in the Elderly: A Feasibility Study

INTRODUCTION

Population aging and related issues are among the most important challenges in different countries. It seems that the use of remote technology can provide the elderly with better healthcare services and can help them to manage chronic diseases. This research aimed to investigate the experts' views about the feasibility of using mobile-based technology to manage chronic diseases in the elderly.

METHODS

This was a survey study which was completed in 2018. The participants were the faculty members of the department of geriatrics across the country (n=33). In order to collect data, two questionnaires were used. The first questionnaire contained questions related to the five dimensions of a feasibility study and the second questionnaire consisted of five open questions about the opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of using mobile-based technology in chronic disease management. The qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis method and the quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

From the participants' perspectives, it was feasible to use mobile-based technology in chronic disease management for elderly people. The mean values for five feasibility dimensions were as follows: ethico-legal dimension (4.09±1.01), scheduling dimension (3.70±1.03), economic dimension (3.47±1.04), operational dimension (3.42±1.12) and technical dimension (3.07±1.27). While such a technology can help increasing the accessibility of healthcare services, raising health literacy, and saving time and costs, the main threats, namely; the misinterpretation of information and the possibility of breeching confidentiality should not be underestimated.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that mHealth and remote medical technologies can be used for chronic disease management among elderly people. However, these technologies have some strengths and weaknesses. In order to succeed in the development and implementation of these projects, it is essential to consider probable threats and weaknesses before implementing the applications.