Background: Scenario is the primary method in futures studies, and thus its improper use can undermine the credibility and claims of the results. There are many scenario types, and here we aimed at understanding whether these scenarios are being used properly in the health field. Methods: In this study, a combination method was used in 3 phases, and 8 + 2 steps were considered to accommodate the needs of the health sector with capabilities of the main types of scenarios. One of the appropriate methods of futures studies was used at each step. Results: Scenario planning has evolved along with futures studies paradigms. Trend-based scenarios, intuitive logic, and structural analysis approaches have had the most use in futures scenarios and health section. Quantitative techniques, which are close to the positivist paradigm, have been most widely used; however, participatory methods of futures studies paradigm have been used the least in the health sector. Conclusions: Health scenario writing in its current state is targeting short- to medium- term futures and does not respond to all requirements. Thus, other backup methods should also be considered.
Context: Schizophrenia is one of the most severe mental disorders that affect all aspects of a patient's lives. Telemedicine can be helpful for this population. Objectives: This study aimed to review the studies for investigating the applications and outcomes of telemedicine in providing healthcare services for patients with schizophrenia. Evidence Acquisition: We searched PubMed and Scopus databases to find relevant studies in July 2020. The combination of two “Schizophrenia” AND “Telemedicine” keywords were used to search databases. Original observational and interventional studies, which have used a telemedicine service in schizophrenia disease, were included in this review. Results: Of 309 gathered studies, 26 studies were entered into this research. The synchronous modality and videoconference communication were used in most studies. Most studies (84.5%) have shown that telemedicine was a beneficial method. More than half of the studies (58%) had therapeutic goals. The rest of the studies were for diagnostic (19%), educational (11.5%), and both therapeutic and educational (11.5%) purposes. Only one study (4%) showed that telemedicine was not cost-effective. In nine studies (34.5%), users were satisfied with the use of telemedicine services. Conclusions: Telemedicine is a useful method for the management of patients with schizophrenia, especially to improve treatment adherence and prevent relapse. It would be better to pay more attention to the educational issues because of the positive impact on adherence to treatment and prevent relapse.
Objective. To determine 1) the indexes/indicators used for evaluating the “strengthening community action” mechanism of the Ottawa Charter for health promotion, and 2) to extract the characteristics and key components of the indexes/indicators using a scoping review. Data source. In May 2020, the search was conducted across three databases; Medline (via Pub Med), Embase, and Scopus. Inclusion and exclusion Criteria. All primary studies relating to development, identification, and measurement of health promotion indices/indicators associated to the “strengthening community actions” were included. The review articles were excluded. Data Extraction. The data were extracted to a data-charting form that was developed by the research team. Two authors reviewed the extracted data. Data Synthesis To summarize and report the data, a descriptive numerical analysis, and a narrative descriptive synthesizing approach were used. Results In total, 93 study articles were included. A majority of studies (82%) were conducted in developed countries. Different types of recognized indices were categorized into seven groups: social cohesion (n=3), community capacity (n=1), community participation (n=7), social capital (n=6), social network (n=3), social support (n=1), and others (n=5). Conclusions. Having a collection of “strengthening community action” indices/indicators in hand, health policy-makers and health promotion specialists might be able to do their best in considering, selecting, and applying the most appropriate indices/indicators while evaluating community health promotion interventions in different settings.
Background: In the health field, future planning and determining the road map are important issues. In this regard, quantitative approaches have often dominated this area of health sector research, and the main focus of researchers has been on creating frameworks and solutions for data management and applying data-driven strategies such as forecasting. in using such methods, it is assumed that past effective forces will continue under the same conditions in the future, as well as new events that They can change past relationships or distort trends, will not occur or have no significant effect. therefore, considering the influential events and investigating the significant effects of these events and their subsequent processes can lead to a better understanding of possible consequences and proper planning for futures in the field of health. Methods: In the trend impact analysis approach, the impact of unprecedented events and their occurrence in the future on trends is considered and reliable results will be produced. the historical available data are used to perform quantitative extrapolation and forecast future values Then, qualitative tools and methods are employed to identify a list of influential events that will affect the trends in the future. Finally, the impact of these events on trends will be identified and applied. Results: As a result of this approach, probable and plausible scenarios can be achieved. Conclusions: The limitations in forecasting the future by using quantitative methods and ignoring the effect of unexpected events can leads to "surprises free" predictions and cause deviations from estimates and plans. Use of innovative methods in the methodology of studies will provide the ground for intelligent planning to face the future, and along with the complexities, uncertainties and changes in social behavior in societies, the use of new scientific methods in the field of health is a necessity.
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