Introduction:Use of Integrated Health Information Systems (IHIS) for the provision of healthcare services benefits both healthcare professionals and patients, while requiring continuous evaluation and upgrading to fully support its role.Aim:The main purpose of the study was to develop an evaluation framework for hospitals utilizing IHIS, within the three main areas identified as Human factor, Technology and Organization.Material and methods:The questionnaire consisted of 43 questions, with 17 questions (related to categories procedures, system quality and satisfaction), 25 questions (related to categories, safety and collaboration) and 1 question related to accessibility to the system (within the category system quality). Three open questions were added to evaluate users’ perception on what was needed for the improvement of health services in their respective hospitals for all 3 variables being evaluated. The open questions were included to allow participants to express their opinion in a more detailed setting. A database was developed, and the data were processed and analyzed.Results:Factor analysis formed 5 categories for the evaluation framework. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found in all categories to be above > 0.85.Conclusion:Evaluation frameworks can be designed, developed and implemented by using different methodologies. For an evaluation framework to be effective it should be designed and implemented based on the aims and purpose of the research and the specific needs of the particular healthcare setting or hospital. Considering the categories satisfaction, collaboration, safety, system quality, procedures, and by using Likert scale and open questions in the current study, DIPSA can provide a holistic image of IHIS by evaluating any hospital system.

Introduction:The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus has implemented an Integrated Health Information System (IHIS) in two hospitals. However, no evaluation of IHIS has been conducted to assess its safety, efficiency and effectiveness. The proper utilization of IHIS is essential for the provision of quality healthcare services. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current IHIS in public hospitals in Cyprus utilizing the DIPSA evaluation framework. Methods: A total of 309 subjects, including doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, participated in the study. The DIPSA evaluation framework assessed the users' perception in five categories namely, satisfaction, collaboration, system quality, safety and procedures, using Likert scale and 3 open questions. Correlation between the categories was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the demographic characteristics and categories. Data analysis was done using SPSS v24. Results: All five categories were rated moderately, between 2.5 and 3, by the participants. All categories were correlated (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis indicated the need for improvement between the professionals (mainly doctors and nurses) and the categories. The open questions pointed out the need for improvement in all 3 factors examined (Technology, Human Factor, Organization). Discussion: The moderately rated categories, in the Cyprus IHIS, suggest that there is a lot of room for improvement. Some interventions are suggested that could positively and simultaneously affect one or more categories.

Introduction: The risk for healthcare students to get infected by transmitting infectious viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), in a hospital setting is extremely high through exposure to blood and/or body secretions. Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate both the vaccination history of healthcare students at a University in Cyprus and their serologic immunity against HBV. In addition, we assessed their knowledge and behaviors towards the transmission and prevention of hepatitis B (HB). Results: Total amount of 168 students participated in this study and more than 50% of them provided complete documentation of vaccination history against HBV. Antibodies levels 10 mIU/mL to HB surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected for the 98.8% of healthcare students while 1.2% of the participants tested positive for HBsAg and antibodies to HB core antigen indicating chronic infection. Our study also revealed significant gaps in the knowledge of healthcare students on the efficiency of the vaccine against HBV and in terms of the HBV transmission. Conclusions: More information needs to be provided to healthcare students in Cyprus regarding HBV transmission and vaccination. In addition, there is a need for intervention to provide a safer workplace environment.

Physician shortage is a major concern in many health care systems globally, while healthcare leadership constitutes one of the most vital factors within human resource management. Our study examined the relationship between managers’ leadership styles and physicians’ intent to leave their current position. In this cross-sectional national survey, questionnaires were distributed to all physicians working in the public health sector of Cyprus. Most demographic characteristics evaluated by chi-square or Mann-Whitney test, were statistically significantly different between those who intended to leave their job and those who did not. The results of our study demonstrated that transformational leadership has a positive influence on retention of physicians in public hospitals, while non leadership infers a negative influence. Developing leadership skills in physician supervisors is of a great importance for organizations to make a large impact on health professionals’ retention and overall performance.