DESIGNING AND EVALUATING THE WEB-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS OF IRAN

Abstract

Background and objective: Development of web-based primary health care information system capable of collecting, processing, storing, reporting, and the system evaluation is one of the methods used to increase the efficiency that can improve the quality of health care and services. The purpose of this research is to design and evaluate web-based information system of primary health care for health centers. Method: The present research is an applied descriptive study. The population consists of all units at different levels of rural and urban health centers. The forms obtained from these centers were used as a sample to design the information system by SQL database and the graphical interface ASP. NET. The terminology codes of Iranian health database were used to exchange information. A checklist was used to analyze the users' attitudes toward the effect of the system on health promotion. Results: The general attitude of users in all health centers toward the impact of the System on promoting health was evaluated positively with an average of 68%. Also the effect of information system on reducing the registration errors, increasing the speed and accuracy of information, information exchange, avoiding duplication, reducing the costs and facilitating reports was evaluated with a mean score of 64%. Conclusion: The users' positive opinion suggests that a suitable context to implement web-based system is provided in health care centers. Integrity and avoiding duplication of data as well as the ability to communicate with other health information systems can be the basis for national electronic health records in the country.