The Effect of Immersion Technology on the Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: In physical reality, mobility limitations often hinder the ability of older individuals to fully interact with the world. Aging increases the likelihood of a decline in social activities. New technologies, including immersion technologies, are increasingly gaining attention as society grapples with the challenges of an aging population.

Epidemiology and economic burden of end-stage kidney disease by age, gender, and province among Iranian Hajj pilgrims in 2012-22: a retrospective study of 469,581 participants.

Introduction: Annually, over 3.5 million Hajj pilgrims from approximately 180 countries worldwide travel to Mecca for Hajj rituals. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a high-morbidity condition that necessitates high-cost and time-intensive care, the present study aims to investigate the prevalence and economic burden of ESKD among Iranian Hajj pilgrims during the last decade.

Interrupted time series analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on emergency and elective surgeries in Iranian hospitals.

Background: Emergency and elective surgeries are vital for saving lives and enhancing patient wellbeing. However, COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the provision of surgical services in Iranian hospitals and globally.

Aim: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on emergency and elective surgical care in Iranian hospitals.

Hospitalization, mortality, and health service delivery pattern among Iranian Hajj pilgrims by age, sex, and province in 2013-22.

Background: This study aims to investigate the patterns of hospitalization, mortality, and services provided to Iranian Hajj pilgrims from 2013 to 2022 by age, sex, and province.

Methods: We conducted a pooled cross-sectional study in 2023, encompassing all Iranian Hajj pilgrims from 2013 to 2022. We examined pilgrim hospitalization by age, sex, and province using a Poisson regression model, incorporating demographic variables.

Cardiovascular Diseases among Iranian Hajj Pilgrims from 2012 to 2022: Prevalence, Trends, and Economic Perspective.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant cause of mortality and morbidity globally. One of the primary objectives of medical examinations for Hajj pilgrims is disease screening, which is conducted following stringent guidelines to mitigate mortality and disability among the pilgrims. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and associated healthcare services of CVDs among pilgrims from 2012 to 2022.

The economic burden of breast cancer in western Iran: a cross-sectional cost-of-illness study.

Background: Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, affecting millions annually and imposing a considerable burden on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the economic impact of breast cancer in Lorestan Province, western Iran.

Methods: A retrospective cost-of-illness analysis utilizing a cross-sectional design was performed from November 2023 to July 2024.

Assessing the development of health technology assessment in Iran: a policy analysis using Kingdon's Multiple streams framework: a qualitative study.

Background: Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is crucial for optimizing healthcare investments and improving system efficiency. In Iran, the rising costs of healthcare technologies and systemic inefficiencies have highlighted the need for a structured HTA framework. However, despite academic discussions, HTA has not yet been fully integrated into formal health policy.

The impact of Covid-19 on harm reduction policies in Iran: an interrupted time series analysis.

Background: The global emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019 posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems, disrupting routine services and necessitating swift adaptations. Harm reduction programs, vital for addressing substance use-related health risks, faced unique challenges during the pandemic, impacting vulnerable populations. This study focuses on the repercussions of Covid-19 on harm reduction policies in Iran, specifically examining the distribution of condoms, syringes, and methadone to high-risk individuals attending Triangle Centers.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on outpatient visits for patients with cancer in Iran: an interrupted time series analysis.

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, affecting routine medical services, including for cancer patients. This study investigates the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on outpatient visits for patients with cancer in Iran.

Methods: We conducted an interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) on data collected from electronic medical records.

Road Traffic Injuries in Iran: Epidemiology and Equitable Distribution of Emergency Services.

Objective: This study emphasized the importance of providing equal access to rescue and emergency services for all individuals involved in road accidents, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status.

Methods: This study involved gathering data on the number of Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) stations in 31 provinces of Iran. It entailed calculating the Gini coefficient and creating the Lorenz curve to assess the station distribution.

Analysis of high-frequency errors and linguistic patterns in EFL medical students' English writing: Insights from a learner corpus.

Background: The perceived language barrier in English is said to hinder, and in certain instances, impede the global dissemination of knowledge, including medical information, to non-native English speakers within medical institutions. As English for medical purposes instructors, we contend that the issue persists in medical universities across various EFL contexts. Medical students face the challenge of presenting their research findings in English for international journals and conferences.

The economic burden of prostate cancer in Iran: a cross-sectional cost-of-illness study.

Objective: This study aims to assess the economic burden of prostate cancer in Iran by analyzing direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs. We conducted a cross-sectional cost-of-illness study in Khorramabad, located in western Iran, during 2023, using a prevalence-based, bottom-up approach. Data were collected from 285 prostate cancer patients using questionnaires, interviews, and patient records.

Investigating the effects of artificial intelligence on the personalization of breast cancer management: a systematic study.

Background: Providing appropriate specialized treatment to the right patient at the right time is considered necessary in cancer management. Targeted therapy tailored to the genetic changes of each breast cancer patient is a desirable feature of precision oncology, which can not only reduce disease progression but also potentially increase patient survival. The use of artificial intelligence alongside precision oncology can help physicians by identifying and selecting more effective treatment factors for patients.

Economic evaluation of automated external defibrillator deployment in public settings for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a systematic review.

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major issue in aging populations. The use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places improves cardiac arrest survival rates. The purpose of this study is to review economic evaluation studies of the use of AED technology in public settings for cardiac arrest resuscitation.

Exploring the landscape of health technology assessment in Iran: perspectives from stakeholders on needs, demand and supply.

Background: The evaluation of health technologies plays a crucial role in the allocation of resources and the promotion of equitable healthcare access, known as health technology assessment (HTA). This study focuses on Iran's efforts to integrate HTA and aims to gain insights into stakeholder perspectives regarding capacity needs, demand and implementation.

Methods: In this study, we employed the HTA introduction status analysis questionnaire developed by the International Decision Support Initiative (iDSI), which has been utilized in various countries.

Prevalence of HIV in slums area: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health burden, particularly affecting vulnerable populations residing in slum areas which is characterized by overcrowding, poverty, and limited access to healthcare services, create an environment conducive to the transmission and spread of HIV. Despite the recognition of this issue, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the prevalence of HIV in slums. The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize the existing global evidence on HIV prevalence in slum populations.

History of primary health care in Iran.

Background: The history of the primary healthcare system in Iran portrays a journey of strategic development and implementation that has resulted in significant advancements in healthcare access and overall population well-being. Starting in the early 1980s, Iran embarked on a comprehensive approach to health care delivery prioritizing universal access, equity, and community participation.

Introduction: The foundation of this system was established during the Alma-Ata Conference in 1978, which placed a strong emphasis on the role of primary health care in attaining health for all.

Cost-effectiveness of brentuximab vedotin in Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review.

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically review and critically appraise cost-effectiveness studies on Brentuximab vedotin (BV) in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science core collection, and Embase databases were searched until July 3, 2022. We included published full economic evaluation studies on BV for treating patients with HL.

Challenges of Budgeting and Public Financial Management in Iran's Health System: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Efficient and effective management of budgets and financial resources is critical for health systems to achieve their goals; in this regard, countries may face budgetary and financial challenges owing to the weak prediction of resources and consumptions, and lack of prioritization for their budget. This study aims to identify the most critical policies and events that have affected public financial management and health budgeting and existing challenges in Iran.

Methods: We conducted the present study in 2022 using a 2-stage qualitative method.

Features of teleoncology in lung cancer: A scoping review.

Objectives: There are several challenges in providing healthcare services for lung cancer patients. Using teleoncology is an effective solution to meet such challenges. Given this, we in this study aimed to identify the features of teleoncology in lung cancer.

Analysis and evolution of health policies in Iran through policy triangle framework during the last thirty years: a systematic review of the historical period from 1994 to 2021.

Background: Health policy analysis as a multi-disciplinary approach to public policy illustrates the need for interventions that highlight and address important policy issues, improve the policy formulation and implementation process and lead to better health outcomes. Various theories and frameworks have been contributed as the foundation for the analysis of policy in various studies. This study aimed to analyze health policies during the historical period of the almost last 30 years in Iran using policy triangle framework.

A SWOT analysis of the development of health technology assessment in Iran.

Background: Health systems need to prioritize their services, ensuring efficiency and equitable health provision allocation and access. Alongside, health technology assessment (HTA) seeks to systematically evaluate various aspects of health technologies to be used by policy- and decision-makers. In the present study, we aim to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in developing an HTA in Iran.

Hepatitis B vaccination in Iran: Historical policies and programs.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a main challenge of the health system worldwide. Health policymakers in most countries attempt to help HBV patients by implementing support programs in addition to controlling HBV in their community so that the economic burden caused by HBV do not deprive the patients of accessing health services and reducing their quality of life. There are several health interventions for the prevention and control of HBV.

Four decades of hand microsurgery in Iran: A bibliographic analysis.

Background: The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis to assess the number of articles published by Iranian researchers in the field of hand and microsurgery over the last four decades.

Materials And Methods: An online search was conducted using 685 keywords in the abstract/title sections of articles, including carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist fractures, nerve injury and repair, skin flap and graft in the hand, congenital disorders in the hand and forearm, tumor in the hand and wrist, and infection in the hand and wrist. From February 1976 to May 2021, EndNote software version 8.