Isfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Managing Patient Anxiety During CT Scan ImagingApplication of Virtual Reality Technology in Managing Patient Anxiety During CT Scan Imaging5855903342310.48305/jims.v44.i859.0585FAMohammad MehdiAziziMSc Medical Imaging Technology, Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0009-0004-0875-9465KoroshSaberPhD, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-1934-7699AhmadShaneiProfessor, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-5999-0932Journal Article20260319Patient anxiety during CT scan imaging is a common and often overlooked issue in radiology departments, affecting approximately 80% of patients. This condition, besides creating an unpleasant experience for the patient, can reduce image quality due to patient movement during imaging and increase the need for repeat scans. This results in the imposition of additional radiation doses and higher costs. In this regard, this policy brief was developed based on interventional research aimed at determining the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) technology on managing the anxiety of patients undergoing CT scans in radiology centers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Based on the intervention findings, which indicated the effectiveness of VR in reducing patient stress, and considering the opinions of field experts, three policy options were analyzed: "simultaneous VR intervention during the scan," "patient preparation with VR prior to the scan," and "maintaining the status quo." An examination of the implementation requirements, barriers, benefits, and drawbacks of each option showed that despite higher effectiveness, the first option entails greater costs and implementation difficulties. The second option, with lower costs and higher feasibility, is considered a suitable starting point for introducing this technology into the country's health system. The third option lack of systematic intervention is not recommended, given the scientific evidence and its negative consequences on service quality and the hidden costs to the system.Patient anxiety during CT scan imaging is a common and often overlooked issue in radiology departments, affecting approximately 80% of patients. This condition, besides creating an unpleasant experience for the patient, can reduce image quality due to patient movement during imaging and increase the need for repeat scans. This results in the imposition of additional radiation doses and higher costs. In this regard, this policy brief was developed based on interventional research aimed at determining the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) technology on managing the anxiety of patients undergoing CT scans in radiology centers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Based on the intervention findings, which indicated the effectiveness of VR in reducing patient stress, and considering the opinions of field experts, three policy options were analyzed: "simultaneous VR intervention during the scan," "patient preparation with VR prior to the scan," and "maintaining the status quo." An examination of the implementation requirements, barriers, benefits, and drawbacks of each option showed that despite higher effectiveness, the first option entails greater costs and implementation difficulties. The second option, with lower costs and higher feasibility, is considered a suitable starting point for introducing this technology into the country's health system. The third option lack of systematic intervention is not recommended, given the scientific evidence and its negative consequences on service quality and the hidden costs to the system.https://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33423_e817d8f1c167c64e069ef31d3e8826c2.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Policy Strategies for Implementing Electronic Medical Records in the Emergency Department of Isfahan HospitalsPolicy Strategies for Implementing Electronic Medical Records in the Emergency Department of Isfahan Hospitals5915953341910.48305/jims.v44.i859.0591FANahidTavakoliAssistant Professor, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-2921-3283HosseinBagherianAssociate Professor, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-9252-8894Journal Article20260221This policy brief was developed based on the findings of a cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency departments of teaching hospitals under the auspices of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, including Al-Zahra, Kashani, and Amin. The main objective of the study was to identify the challenges of implementing the electronic health record system from the perspective of the main users, namely doctors and nurses. The findings showed that organizational challenges, including the increase in the workload of health service providers, the complexity of the admission and service delivery processes for emergency patients, and the lack of the necessary infrastructure for electronic transmission of records to other interested organizations, were the first priority. After that, technical, human, and financial challenges were ranked next, respectively. Given these results, policymaking for implementing electronic medical records in hospital emergency departments requires solving the problem by looking at different dimensions. In this regard, five strategies were introduced and explained, including "developing and standardizing technical and network infrastructure", "designing user-friendly acceptance and service delivery processes", "implementing continuous and motivational training programs", "developing security and privacy policies and guidelines", and "providing and allocating dedicated budgets". The effectiveness of these strategies requires a multidimensional perspective, phased implementation, trust and support of the human resources involved in the work, which, by considering facilities, incentives and fair payments in response to increased work tasks, strengthened the motivation to learn and respond in the newly launched system.This policy brief was developed based on the findings of a cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency departments of teaching hospitals under the auspices of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, including Al-Zahra, Kashani, and Amin. The main objective of the study was to identify the challenges of implementing the electronic health record system from the perspective of the main users, namely doctors and nurses. The findings showed that organizational challenges, including the increase in the workload of health service providers, the complexity of the admission and service delivery processes for emergency patients, and the lack of the necessary infrastructure for electronic transmission of records to other interested organizations, were the first priority. After that, technical, human, and financial challenges were ranked next, respectively. Given these results, policymaking for implementing electronic medical records in hospital emergency departments requires solving the problem by looking at different dimensions. In this regard, five strategies were introduced and explained, including "developing and standardizing technical and network infrastructure", "designing user-friendly acceptance and service delivery processes", "implementing continuous and motivational training programs", "developing security and privacy policies and guidelines", and "providing and allocating dedicated budgets". The effectiveness of these strategies requires a multidimensional perspective, phased implementation, trust and support of the human resources involved in the work, which, by considering facilities, incentives and fair payments in response to increased work tasks, strengthened the motivation to learn and respond in the newly launched system.https://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33419_4d2cb51e2b2bd88889ce18c38d865a8d.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Internet of Things -Based Policy Strategies in Child CareInternet of Things -Based Policy Strategies in Child Care5966013342810.48305/jims.v44.i859.0596FAMohammadSattariHealth Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-6091-4248Journal Article20260316With the expansion of urbanization and the difficulties of modern life, ensuring the safety and health of children is a significant challenge for families, care systems, and policymakers. IoT technology, with its capabilities of continuous monitoring, data analysis, and timely alerts, helps to respond to this issue. A review of scientific evidence shows that successful applications of this technology in the world have mainly focused on the use of wearable and environmental sensors in indoor spaces and can have an impact on risk reduction and child health management; however, effective and equitable use of this capacity at the national level requires the development of operational strategies. In this context, this policy brief, by analyzing the existing conditions and citing the findings of the review study and expert opinions, proposed and analyzed three policy options as follows: first, developing and implementing mandatory standards to ensure security, privacy, and device interoperability; Second, the gradual smartization of care and education environments through the implementation of learning education projects; and third, market development and targeted support for the domestic production of safe and cost-effective devices and services. The analysis of these options suggests that simultaneous attention to technical, economic and socio-cultural considerations is necessary for the effectiveness of measures. Challenges such as concerns about privacy and data security, initial investment costs, resistance to change and the need to empower stakeholders are among the main obstaclesWith the expansion of urbanization and the difficulties of modern life, ensuring the safety and health of children is a significant challenge for families, care systems, and policymakers. IoT technology, with its capabilities of continuous monitoring, data analysis, and timely alerts, helps to respond to this issue. A review of scientific evidence shows that successful applications of this technology in the world have mainly focused on the use of wearable and environmental sensors in indoor spaces and can have an impact on risk reduction and child health management; however, effective and equitable use of this capacity at the national level requires the development of operational strategies. In this context, this policy brief, by analyzing the existing conditions and citing the findings of the review study and expert opinions, proposed and analyzed three policy options as follows: first, developing and implementing mandatory standards to ensure security, privacy, and device interoperability; Second, the gradual smartization of care and education environments through the implementation of learning education projects; and third, market development and targeted support for the domestic production of safe and cost-effective devices and services. The analysis of these options suggests that simultaneous attention to technical, economic and socio-cultural considerations is necessary for the effectiveness of measures. Challenges such as concerns about privacy and data security, initial investment costs, resistance to change and the need to empower stakeholders are among the main obstacleshttps://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33428_5b209bd59025f74b380134f741207b20.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Tuberculosis Epidemiology and the Need to Review Policy Priorities for Its ManagementTuberculosis Epidemiology and the Need to Review Policy Priorities for Its Management6026073342210.48305/jims.v44.i859.0602FAAbolfazlHajariDepartment of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-7290-6640Shima SadatTalaiDepartment of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0009-0001-4308-377XSahebjanTorkianDepartment of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-0399-7355RezaFadaei NobariDepartment of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-8468-2445ZohrehAbbaspourNutrition and Food Security Research Center, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-9051-2821HamidGalehdariVice President of University Health, Head of Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-6829-8550Journal Article20260221A review of epidemiological data from a study in Isfahan province showed that about one-third of the identified patients are foreign nationals, especially Afghan immigrants, who have a lower average age than Iranian patients. the geographical distribution of cases is not the same in different cities of the province. According to the study findings, existing control strategies need to be reviewed. To respond to this challenge, five policy strategies were proposed. First, implementing an active screening program in the foreign national population in cooperation with the Nationals Administration and NGOs, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of their information. Second, designing and implementing periodic screening in industrial workers in coordination with the Labor Administration and employers, and using mobile health teams. Third, strengthening the surveillance system and actively searching for tuberculosis cases to compensate for undiagnosed cases during the pandemic. Fourth, identifying close contacts of married patients and treating latent tuberculosis in children under 6 years of age as an effective preventive intervention. Fifth, screening the elderly population, especially residents of care centers, by sending mobile teams. The implementation of the proposed strategies also faces implementation obstacles, including the fear of immigrants being rejected, employers' resistance to workers' absenteeism, burnout of health personnel, lack of awareness among families, and the mobility restrictions of the elderly. Considering these obstacles, the prioritization of strategies was proposed as follows: first, strengthening the surveillance system as the main infrastructure, then screening the immigrant population considering their high share, then treating latent tuberculosis in childrenA review of epidemiological data from a study in Isfahan province showed that about one-third of the identified patients are foreign nationals, especially Afghan immigrants, who have a lower average age than Iranian patients. the geographical distribution of cases is not the same in different cities of the province. According to the study findings, existing control strategies need to be reviewed. To respond to this challenge, five policy strategies were proposed. First, implementing an active screening program in the foreign national population in cooperation with the Nationals Administration and NGOs, while ensuring the security and confidentiality of their information. Second, designing and implementing periodic screening in industrial workers in coordination with the Labor Administration and employers, and using mobile health teams. Third, strengthening the surveillance system and actively searching for tuberculosis cases to compensate for undiagnosed cases during the pandemic. Fourth, identifying close contacts of married patients and treating latent tuberculosis in children under 6 years of age as an effective preventive intervention. Fifth, screening the elderly population, especially residents of care centers, by sending mobile teams. The implementation of the proposed strategies also faces implementation obstacles, including the fear of immigrants being rejected, employers' resistance to workers' absenteeism, burnout of health personnel, lack of awareness among families, and the mobility restrictions of the elderly. Considering these obstacles, the prioritization of strategies was proposed as follows: first, strengthening the surveillance system as the main infrastructure, then screening the immigrant population considering their high share, then treating latent tuberculosis in childrenhttps://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33422_4100a0586c1f755aa468aeb5f28df335.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Policy Strategies to Reduce Mortality and Costs of PoisoningPolicy Strategies to Reduce Mortality and Costs of Poisoning6086123342110.48305/jims.v44.i859.0608FAMahboubehHojatiDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-5464-8094SahebjanTorkianNutrition and Food Security Research Center, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-0399-7355Journal Article20260221A review of bodies referred to the forensic medicine of Isfahan province over a six-year period highlights the dimensions of the fatal poisoning crisis. During this period, 3,568 poisoning deaths were recorded, indicating a multidimensional problem. To address the problem, five policy strategies were designed based on expert analysis, including strengthening the registration and tracking system, implementing harm reduction programs for opioids, defining mental health services in addiction treatment centers, implementing awareness campaigns, and creating economic incentives in high-risk areas. They were examined in terms of implementation requirements, barriers, beneficiaries, and time frame. The analyses showed that a “harm reduction” approach, along with investment in a data recording system, can have a significant impact on mortality rates. This process faces cultural barriers and cross-sectoral coordination, which can be implemented and evaluated by planning in more critical counties. Based on the effectiveness of the results, the measures can be expanded to other areas and centers and be subject to a continuous evaluation and feedback process. In this way, the imposition of higher human and economic costs can be managed by timely action by health and social policymakers and decision-makersA review of bodies referred to the forensic medicine of Isfahan province over a six-year period highlights the dimensions of the fatal poisoning crisis. During this period, 3,568 poisoning deaths were recorded, indicating a multidimensional problem. To address the problem, five policy strategies were designed based on expert analysis, including strengthening the registration and tracking system, implementing harm reduction programs for opioids, defining mental health services in addiction treatment centers, implementing awareness campaigns, and creating economic incentives in high-risk areas. They were examined in terms of implementation requirements, barriers, beneficiaries, and time frame. The analyses showed that a “harm reduction” approach, along with investment in a data recording system, can have a significant impact on mortality rates. This process faces cultural barriers and cross-sectoral coordination, which can be implemented and evaluated by planning in more critical counties. Based on the effectiveness of the results, the measures can be expanded to other areas and centers and be subject to a continuous evaluation and feedback process. In this way, the imposition of higher human and economic costs can be managed by timely action by health and social policymakers and decision-makershttps://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33421_4d8da35761b21e91e579563043237f3f.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Strategies for Enhancing Family Physician Programs with Medical Librarian Information Partnership: A Policy BriefStrategies for Enhancing Family Physician Programs with Medical Librarian Information Partnership: A Policy Brief6136173342010.48305/jims.v44.i859.0613FAHasanAshrafi-rizi,Medical Library and Information Science, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-6052-2087ZahraKazempourDepartment of Knowledge and Information Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6834-2814MahdiAmraeiUSERN Office, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran0000-0001-9693-4673HosseinKargarMedical Library and Information Science, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranZahraGhazaviMedical Library and Information Science, Health Information Technology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-9486-8107Journal Article20260221This policy brief was developed based on the findings of a qualitative study that aimed to identify collaboration strategies between medical librarians and family physicians to advance the goals of the family physician program in Iran. The findings indicate that family physicians often have less timely and effective access to reliable and up-to-date health information due to the high volume and sensitivity of clinical work and time constraints. This can negatively impact the quality of clinical decision-making, effective patient education, and community health outcomes. On the other hand, medical librarians, as experts in retrieving, evaluating, and organizing information, have the capacity to respond to information problems and needs in the clinical setting. Based on the analysis of expert perspectives, four main areas for medical librarians’ information partnership in the clinical setting were identified, including helping to enhance physicians’ professional knowledge and scientific mastery, improving research methodology, promoting information literacy, and providing appropriate content for information resources for patient education. On this basis, four policy strategies were designed and presented in consultation and participation of relevant experts to operationalize this collaboration, including “developing and implementing joint policy and formalizing the role of librarians”, “providing specialized information services and supporting clinical decision-making”, “producing and disseminating reliable and understandable educational content for patients”, and “actively participating in clinical and applied research related to primary care”.This policy brief was developed based on the findings of a qualitative study that aimed to identify collaboration strategies between medical librarians and family physicians to advance the goals of the family physician program in Iran. The findings indicate that family physicians often have less timely and effective access to reliable and up-to-date health information due to the high volume and sensitivity of clinical work and time constraints. This can negatively impact the quality of clinical decision-making, effective patient education, and community health outcomes. On the other hand, medical librarians, as experts in retrieving, evaluating, and organizing information, have the capacity to respond to information problems and needs in the clinical setting. Based on the analysis of expert perspectives, four main areas for medical librarians’ information partnership in the clinical setting were identified, including helping to enhance physicians’ professional knowledge and scientific mastery, improving research methodology, promoting information literacy, and providing appropriate content for information resources for patient education. On this basis, four policy strategies were designed and presented in consultation and participation of relevant experts to operationalize this collaboration, including “developing and implementing joint policy and formalizing the role of librarians”, “providing specialized information services and supporting clinical decision-making”, “producing and disseminating reliable and understandable educational content for patients”, and “actively participating in clinical and applied research related to primary care”.https://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33420_a7780f0c5145542ff82747b10d2ed8af.pdfIsfahan University of Medical SciencesJournal of Isfahan Medical School1027-75954485920260522Strategic Enhancement of Professional Ethics Committees' Performance in the Health Network System with an Analysis of the Current SituationStrategic Enhancement of Professional Ethics Committees' Performance in the Health Network System with an Analysis of the Current Situation6186223342410.48305/jims.v44.i859.0618FAAbolfazlHajariStudent Research Committee, Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-7290-6640MohsenShahriariNursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-7833-0187HojatollahTanhaeiDepartment of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-9660-8138HamidGalehdariVice President of University Health, Head of Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0001-6829-8550SahebjanTorkianNutrition and Food Security Research Center, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0003-0399-7355Journal Article20260320Professional Ethics Committees are crucial pillars of the health system, responsible for promoting, educating, and monitoring ethical principles within healthcare organizations. This policy brief aims to analyze the performance of these committees within the healthcare networks of Isfahan province and present practical solutions for enhancing their effectiveness. The analysis is based on a cross-sectional study conducted on 328 records from meeting minutes and reports submitted by 25 counties in the province during the year 2025. The study's findings indicated that the ethics committees in the province possess quantitative dynamism, with activity patterns primarily focused on reporting daily actions, and a very small share of strategic approvals and innovative measures. Based on these findings, four main policy options were examined: "establishment of an electronic system for recording and monitoring activities, development and dissemination of a provincial strategic document for promoting professional ethics, empowering committee members through systematic training, and shifting the committees' mission from cultural activities to resolving real ethical challenges." Analysis of implementation barriers and practical considerations revealed that each of these options faces challenges such as inequality in IT infrastructure, cultural diversity among counties, temporal overlap of training with staff's daily duties, and resistance to changing conventional procedures. Considering these observations, the prioritization suggested is to first undertake member empowerment and training programs as the initial step, followed by the development of the strategic document, then the establishment of the system, and finally, the modification of the committees' mission.Professional Ethics Committees are crucial pillars of the health system, responsible for promoting, educating, and monitoring ethical principles within healthcare organizations. This policy brief aims to analyze the performance of these committees within the healthcare networks of Isfahan province and present practical solutions for enhancing their effectiveness. The analysis is based on a cross-sectional study conducted on 328 records from meeting minutes and reports submitted by 25 counties in the province during the year 2025. The study's findings indicated that the ethics committees in the province possess quantitative dynamism, with activity patterns primarily focused on reporting daily actions, and a very small share of strategic approvals and innovative measures. Based on these findings, four main policy options were examined: "establishment of an electronic system for recording and monitoring activities, development and dissemination of a provincial strategic document for promoting professional ethics, empowering committee members through systematic training, and shifting the committees' mission from cultural activities to resolving real ethical challenges." Analysis of implementation barriers and practical considerations revealed that each of these options faces challenges such as inequality in IT infrastructure, cultural diversity among counties, temporal overlap of training with staff's daily duties, and resistance to changing conventional procedures. Considering these observations, the prioritization suggested is to first undertake member empowerment and training programs as the initial step, followed by the development of the strategic document, then the establishment of the system, and finally, the modification of the committees' mission.https://jims.mui.ac.ir/article_33424_596e14c90f7e665cef811c43fd8f2b87.pdf