A framework for information technology-based management against COVID-19 in Iran

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global concern. Iran is one of the countries affected most by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. As a result, the use of information technology (IT) has a variety of applications for pandemic management. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic via IT management, based on extensive literature review and expert knowledge. Methods The conceptual framework is developed in three stages: (1) a literature review to gather practical experience with IT applications for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) a study of Iranian documents and papers that present Iran’s practical experience with COVID-19, and (3) developing a conceptual framework based on the previous steps and validating it through a Delphi approach in two rounds, and by 13 experts. Results The proposed conceptual framework demonstrates that during pandemics, 22 different types of technologies were used for various purposes, including virtual education, early warning, rapid screening and diagnosis of infected individuals, and data management. These objectives were classified into six categories, with the following applications highlighted: (1) Prevention (M-health, Internet search queries, telehealth, robotics, Internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, Virtual Reality (VR), social media); (2) Diagnosis (M-health, drones, telehealth, IoT, Robotics, AI, Decision Support System (DSS), Electronic Health Record (EHR)); (3) Treatment (Telehealth, M-health, AI, Robotic, VR, IoT); (4) Follow-up (Telehealth, M-health, VR), (5) Management & planning (Geographic information system, M-health, IoT, blockchain), and (6) Protection (IoT, AI, Robotic and automatic vehicles, Augmented Reality (AR)). In Iran, the use of IT for prevention has been emphasized through M-health, internet search queries, social media, video conferencing, management and planning objectives using databases, health information systems, dashboards, surveillance systems, and vaccine coverage. Conclusions IT capabilities were critical during the COVID-19 outbreak. Practical experience demonstrates that various aspects of information technologies were overlooked. To combat this pandemic, the government and decision-makers of this country should consider strategic planning that incorporates successful experiences against COVID-19 and the most advanced IT capabilities.

Association of government effectiveness, logistics performance, IT systems and income with COVID-19 mortality

“…Findings of numerous studies suggest that effective use of ICT can enable governments to address COVID-19 related issues, such as contact tracing, follow-up, logistic planning and management and others that require quick decisions [ 38 , 87 , 91 , 103 ]. As part of e-governance, mature online services enhance government control, involve citizens, contribute to high transparency, minimize corruption and increase convenience [ 104 ] by influencing what Ata-Agboni & Olufemi [ 105 ] call as the three areas of e-governance: e-administration (for improving government processes), e-services (for connecting citizens with their governments) and e-society (for building interactions with and within civil society).…”

“…They have shortened procedural burdens to streamline resources and develop new technologies (such as testing KITs). Governments have collaborated with private sectors to develop ICT-based tracing and tracking tools, promote innovative medical care and, more importantly, develop and distribute vaccines [ 27 , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] ]. They have taken measures to ensure the compliance of stay-at-home orders and effective contact tracing, opened up channels for state-society interactions and encouraged community volunteering to fight COVID-19 [ 41 , 42 ].…”

“…Countries that have applied digital technologies in pandemic management and response, especially in terms of planning, surveillance, testing, contact tracing, quarantine and health care, have also been successful in containing COVID-19 [ 38 , 86 , 87 ]. Leveraging digital technologies has particularly been crucial for protection when the spread rate of COVID-19 has become very high [ 88 ].…”

IoT and Fuzzy Logic Applied to Smart Public Hall for COVID-19 Monitoring System

“…Digital platforms (social media, mobile apps, SMS and others) play vital role for providing alternative digital solutions including early warning, remote diagnosis and monitoring as well as health care delivery [16] [17]. Elliot et al [18] and Florian V. et al [19] described the integration of emerging technologies into COVID-19 contact tracing system for mitigating and breaking the transmission chains of coronavirus including contact tracing apps, 5G, GPS system, AI, IoT, blockchain, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), robotics and nanotechnologies. However, these technologies face challenges such as interoperability, standardization issues, widespread of the internet connectivity, low usage of smart phones and limited related infrastructure issues [20].…”