Design and development of a self-care application for patients with liver cirrhosis.

Aim: Due to the capabilities of the mobile application in the self-care of patients, the present study was conducted to design and evaluate a mobile-based self-care application for patients with liver cirrhosis. Background: Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and chronic disease that, if left untreated, leads to liver cancer and, finally, the death of the patient. Methods: This study was conducted in six phases, including determining and confirming the validity of the minimum data set and capabilities for the application, designing a conceptual and logical model and determining the technical capabilities, designing the application, evaluating the prototype usability in a laboratory environment by technical experts, evaluation of the application usability in a real environment by 30 patients with QUIS (Questionnaire of User Interface Satisfaction) questionnaire. Results: The designed application has capabilities such as calculating the patient's MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease), medication reminder, location in emergency, and conversation with the physician. The results showed that the patients evaluated the application with a score of 7.94 (out of 9 points) at a good level. Conclusion: The self-care application can help patients with liver cirrhosis and their families access the necessary information related to the special care of the patient at any time and place; it also helps better manage the patient's life, improve the quality of life, and monitor the patient. These applications can effectively manage chronic diseases by reducing the burden of referrals and costs.

Design and evaluation of child abuse web-based application for parent education & strengthen.

BACKGROUND: Child abuse is one of the major health and social problems in the world and has severe short-term and long-term consequences on children's psychological, social and physical functioning. One of the effective strategies to control and prevent child abuse is training parent through web-based applications. The aim of this study is to design and evaluation of child abuse web-based application for parent education and strengthen. METHODS: This study is an applied-developmental study that performed in Razi Educational and Therapeutic Center in Tabriz. The study consisted of three main phases. The requirements assessment and design phases were completed between November 2022 and February 2023. The research community was parents referring to Razi Center and convenience sampling was used to select the samples. In firststage, a questionnaire was designed by searching in library sources and consulting with specialists for needs assessment and application design. The questionnaire was completed by psychiatric specialists, health information management and health information technology.Finally, the usability of designed application was evaluated with the participation of 30 parents and specialists. RESULTS: Based on the identified information elements and capabilities, a child abuse web-based application was designed. Application capabilities were such as concepts of child abuse, prevention and treatment strategies, parenting skills, childrens behavioral disorders, child abuse laws and interaction with clinical specialists. Finally, the result of the web-based application usability evaluation was evaluated at a good level equal to an average of 7.6 out of a total of 9 points. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of expressing experiences, exchanging message, attractiveness, ease of use, and accessibility of parents, they were designed as application features. The usability of the web-based application was satisfactory to users in various of overall functionality, display, terminology, learning ability and overall application capability.

Telerehabilitation and Monitoring Physical Activity in Patient with Breast Cancer: Systematic Review.

Background: Timely rehabilitation in patients with Breast Cancer (BC) has a great impact on improving their physical and mental conditions. Thus, the appropriate follow-up method is essential especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to review the different technology-assisted interventions for improving physical activity in BC patients. Materials And Methods: In this systematic review, the original studies were extracted from the beginning of indexing in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science until 2019. Finally, 45 papers were included in this study based on the inclusion criteria for before the Covid-19 pandemic and 3 articles extracted for the Covid-19 period. Results: The most widely used technologies for BC patients were in the United States (46.67%). Telephone, mobile application, and web with 28.89%, 15.56%, and 8.89% frequencies were the most common technologies, respectively. Although the majority of the participants were satisfied with the intervention method, in some cases, the patients were unsatisfied due to the complexity of the technology. These technologies were used for various purposes, such as physical activity and functions, control of pain severity, fitness, quality of life, diet behavior, fatigue, muscle strength, cardio-respiratory capacity, as well as arm and shoulder exercises. Conclusions: In conclusion, virtual communication can improve the health of BC patients and also increases patients' desire and hope to continue treatment. It is worth noting that in the Covid-19 pandemic, with the strengthening of virtual communication infrastructure, more attention was paid to BC patients due to their sensitive conditions.

A framework for information technology-based management against COVID-19 in Iran.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global concern. Iran is one of the countries affected most by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. As a result, the use of information technology (IT) has a variety of applications for pandemic management. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic via IT management, based on extensive literature review and expert knowledge. METHODS: The conceptual framework is developed in three stages: (1) a literature review to gather practical experience with IT applications for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) a study of Iranian documents and papers that present Iran's practical experience with COVID-19, and (3) developing a conceptual framework based on the previous steps and validating it through a Delphi approach in two rounds, and by 13 experts. RESULTS: The proposed conceptual framework demonstrates that during pandemics, 22 different types of technologies were used for various purposes, including virtual education, early warning, rapid screening and diagnosis of infected individuals, and data management. These objectives were classified into six categories, with the following applications highlighted: (1) Prevention (M-health, Internet search queries, telehealth, robotics, Internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, Virtual Reality (VR), social media); (2) Diagnosis (M-health, drones, telehealth, IoT, Robotics, AI, Decision Support System (DSS), Electronic Health Record (EHR)); (3) Treatment (Telehealth, M-health, AI, Robotic, VR, IoT); (4) Follow-up (Telehealth, M-health, VR), (5) Management & planning (Geographic information system, M-health, IoT, blockchain), and (6) Protection (IoT, AI, Robotic and automatic vehicles, Augmented Reality (AR)). In Iran, the use of IT for prevention has been emphasized through M-health, internet search queries, social media, video conferencing, management and planning objectives using databases, health information systems, dashboards, surveillance systems, and vaccine coverage. CONCLUSIONS: IT capabilities were critical during the COVID-19 outbreak. Practical experience demonstrates that various aspects of information technologies were overlooked. To combat this pandemic, the government and decision-makers of this country should consider strategic planning that incorporates successful experiences against COVID-19 and the most advanced IT capabilities.

E-health roadmap for COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is the effective and long-term pharmacological solution to deal with COVID-19. Information technology (IT) and electronic immunization can be effective in accelerating and improving vaccine coverage. The aim of this paper is to develop multi-dimensional framework of e-health roadmap to response Covod-19 pandemic and examine the role of IT for improving vaccine distribution in Iran. METHODS: The study methodology was based on a two-stage Delphi method which included literature studies at the beginning. Key steps in creating a roadmap in this study include definition, development and evaluation. The initial conceptual model was developed after literature review. Proposed roadmap was reviewed and evaluated in two stages based on the Delphi method by experts in the fields of E-health. RESULTS: In the e-health roadmap model, 14 stages of vaccine distribution were presented in three phases of vaccination and then were determined the type of technology in each phase. The 4 conceptual models were approved based on the two stages Delphi approach in a survey of 14 e-health experts. In the second phase of the Delphi process, the selected items were sent back to the specialists to verification. Then e-health roadmap was confirmed by experts and was finalized the approved model. CONCLUSIONS: The technology-based roadmap is one plan in the form of a transfer strategy that aligns goals with specific technical solutions and helps to meet them. This roadmap empowers decision makers to decide on alternative paths and achieve goals.

COVID-19 & an NGO and university developed interactive portal: a perspective from Iran.

On 19 February 2020, Iran reported the initial cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). As of 21 March 2020, Iran had reported 175,927 COVID-19 cases, including 8425 deaths. One of the best approaches for responding to COVID-19 is rapid detection, early isolation, and quick treatment of the disease. Studies have stated that information technology (IT) is a powerful tool for detecting, tracking, and responding to pandemic diseases. Despite the importance of IT, a lack of efficient use of information technology capacity was observed after the emergence of the new cases of COVID-19 in Iran. A web-portal can integrate different services and technologies and can support interaction between non-governmental organizations (NGO) and universities. NGOs can provide services for public health utilizing technology and its advancements. One of the important duties of these organizations is to inform and provide integrated services to the general public. An interactive portal is one of the advanced technologies that these organizations can use for health management. Medical sciences of universities play a vital surveillance role for enhancing the performance quality of NGOs. A web-portal can be a collaboration tool between health-related NGOs and medical sciences of universities. In this study, an interactive portal was developed by NGOs and a university. NGOs under the supervision and participation of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences' Center for Social Factors Research in COVID-19 management division of this portal separated classified information into two sections, informatics and services. This portal is accessible to the general public, patients, service providers, and, importantly, policymakers and presents educational and medical research information to all users. For patients and the general public in high-risk environments, increasing information security, reducing confusion regarding finding needed information, and facilitating communication are only part of the portal's benefit. It seems that web-portal capacity is needed to control COVID-19 in the digital age. The collaboration of academic and university bodies in the context of health portals can play key roles for coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists in Iran: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have become significant problems for all health care workers especially dentists. This systematic review provides prevalence of MSD in dentists of Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study all published literatures about MSD in Iranian dentists were selected without any time limits or other restrictions. However, it was found that the studies about MSD among Iranian dentist are very low. RESULTS: The results of literatures investigations show that the prevalence was between 0.5% and 70%. The prevalence of pain in different regions includes; neck pain (0.7- 0.15), back pain (0.08 - 0.55), wrist pain (0.005-0.48), shoulder pain (0.08-0.5), knee pain (0.03- 0.25) and elbow pain (0.01- 0.2). The gender has no influence on the prevalence. Compare the results with other similar studies shows that the prevalence of MSD is an important issue in other area too. CONCLUSION: Results show that the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems is high in Iran. Therefore it is necessary conduct reliable and comprehensive epidemiological studies in this field to determine the causes of the problem more consciously; and propose appropriate solutions.

Occupational Disease Registries-Characteristics and Experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Due to growth of occupational diseases and also increase of public awareness about their consequences, attention to various aspects of diseases and improve occupational health and safety has found great importance. Therefore, there is the need for appropriate information management tools such as registries in order to recognitions of diseases patterns and then making decision about prevention, early detection and treatment of them. These registries have different characteristics in various countries according to their occupational health priorities. AIM: Aim of this study is evaluate dimensions of occupational diseases registries including objectives, data sources, responsible institutions, minimum data set, classification systems and process of registration in different countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, the papers were searched using the MEDLINE (PubMed) Google scholar, Scopus, ProQuest and Google. The search was done based on keyword in English for all motor engines including "occupational disease", "work related disease", "surveillance", "reporting", "registration system" and "registry" combined with name of the countries including all subheadings. After categorizing search findings in tables, results were compared with each other. RESULTS: Important aspects of the registries studied in ten countries including Finland, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Czech Republic, Malaysia, United States, Singapore, Russia and Turkey. The results show that surveyed countries have statistical, treatment and prevention objectives. Data sources in almost the rest of registries were physicians and employers. The minimum data sets in most of them consist of information about patient, disease, occupation and employer. Some of countries have special occupational related classification systems for themselves and some of them apply international classification systems such as ICD-10. Finally, the process of registration system was different in countries. CONCLUSION: Because occupational diseases are often preventable, but not curable, it is necessary to all countries, to consider prevention and early detection of occupational diseases as the objectives of their registry systems. Also it is recommended that all countries reach an agreement about global characteristics of occupational disease registries. This enables country to compare their data at international levels.

Systematic Review of Hospital Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs): Necessary Tool to Improve Quality of Care in Cancer Patients

Introduction: Incidence and mortality rate of cancer is increasing in all countries including low and middle-income countries. Hospital based cancer registry (HBCR) is an important tool for administration purpose and improvement of the quality of care. It is also important resource for population based cancer registries. In this study we reviewed HBCRs in different countries. Methods: We searched the published literature using the MEDLINE (PubMed), Google scholar, Scopus, ProQuest and Google. We also reviewed websites of the HBCRs in different countries. The search was carried out based on proper keywords in English for all motor engines including "hospital-based", "clinical" and "data quality" combined with "registry", "cancer" and "tumor" including all subheadings. We reviewed objectives, developer institutions, minimum datasets, data sources, quality control indicators and processes. Results: In total we found 163 papers in the first step. After screening of the titles, abstracts and the full texts, 14 papers remained for analysis. Analysis of the 14 papers showed that the improvement of the quality of the care were the most important objectives among the registries. HBCRs collect information about patients, tumor diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Generally, indicators such as completeness and validity were used for quality control. Conclusion: Because of the increases in cancer burden in the world, more attention is needed to be paid on cancer surveillance systems, including HBCRs. We evaluated and highlighted the importance and characteristics HBCRs and believe that this paper would help the hospitals and policy makers for planning and establishment of new HBCRs. We suggest the establishment of a worldwide network for coordination and collaboration between HBCRs.

Mobile Phone Based System Opportunities to Home-based Managing of Chemotherapy Side Effects.

OBJECTIVE: Applying mobile base systems in cancer care especially in chemotherapy management have remarkable growing in recent decades. Because chemotherapy side effects have significant influences on patient's lives, therefore it is necessary to take ways to control them. This research has studied some experiences of using mobile phone based systems to home-based monitor of chemotherapy side effects in cancer. METHODS: In this literature review study, search was conducted with keywords like cancer, chemotherapy, mobile phone, information technology, side effects and self managing, in Science Direct, Google Scholar and Pub Med databases since 2005. RESULTS: Today, because of the growing trend of the cancer, we need methods and innovations such as information technology to manage and control it. Mobile phone based systems are the solutions that help to provide quick access to monitor chemotherapy side effects for cancer patients at home. Investigated studies demonstrate that using of mobile phones in chemotherapy management have positive results and led to patients and clinicians satisfactions. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the mobile phone system for home-based monitoring chemotherapy side effects works well. In result, knowledge of cancer self-management and the rate of patient's effective participation in care process improved.

Online Social Networks - Opportunities for Empowering Cancer Patients.

Online social network technologies have become important to health and apply in most health care areas. Particularly in cancer care, because it is a disease which involves many social aspects, online social networks can be very useful. Use of online social networks provides a suitable platform for cancer patients and families to present and share information about their medical conditions, address their educational needs, support decision making, and help to coping with their disease and improve their own outcomes. Like any other new technologies, online social networks, along with many benefits, have some negative effects such as violation of privacy and publication of incorrect information. However, if these effects are managed properly, they can empower patients to manage cancer through changing behavioral patterns and enhancing the quality of cancer patients lives This paper explains some application of online social networks in the cancer patient care process. It also covers advantages and disadvantages of related technologies.

Prevention and Early Detection of Occupational Cancers - a View of Information Technology Solutions.

Thousands of people die each year from cancer due to occupational causes. To reduce cancer in workers, preventive strategies should be used in the high-risk workplace. The effective prevention of occupational cancer requires knowledge of carcinogen agents. Like other areas of healthcare industry, occupational health has been affected by information technology solutions to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and finally the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the healthcare system. Information technology solutions are thus an important issue in the healthcare field. Information about occupational cancer in information systems is important for policy makers, managers, physicians, patients and researchers; because examples that include high quality data about occupational cancer patients and occupational cancer causes are able to determine the worker groups which require special attention. As a result exposed workers who are vulnerable can undergo screening and be considered for preventive interventions.

Advances in Optimal Detection of Cancer by Image Processing; Experience with Lung and Breast Cancers.

Clinicians should looking for techniques that helps to early diagnosis of cancer, because early cancer detection is critical to increase survival and cost effectiveness of treatment, and as a result decrease mortality rate. Medical images are the most important tools to provide assistance. However, medical images have some limitations for optimal detection of some neoplasias, originating either from the imaging techniques themselves, or from human visual or intellectual capacity. Image processing techniques are allowing earlier detection of abnormalities and treatment monitoring. Because the time is a very important factor in cancer treatment, especially in cancers such as the lung and breast, imaging techniques are used to accelerate diagnosis more than with other cancers. In this paper, we outline experience in use of image processing techniques for lung and breast cancer diagnosis. Looking at the experience gained will help specialists to choose the appropriate technique for optimization of diagnosis through medical imaging.