Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Common cancers such as colon, breast, and lung cancer are increasing in developing countries. Objective: This study was conducted to determine 10-year trends and changes in common cancers in patients from a referral hospital in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated a study population comprising colon, stomach, lung, prostate, and breast cancer patients registered at the cancer center of a referral hospital in Tehran, Iran from April 1, 2007 to the end of March, 2016 (n=4472). Inclusion criteria were a definitive diagnosis of cancer and an age between 15 and 75 years. Data was entered into SPSS (version 18) software and analyzed using the Time Series analysis and Scatter IO graph. Results: Significant correlations (P value <0.001) were seen between age increases in patients and the increasing number of patients in any type of cancer. With almost all of the five studied cancers, incidence increased with aging (P value <0.001). The incremental linear trend in the age of patients with lung (P value = 0.008) and colon (P value = 0.004) cancers and the decreasing trend in the age of prostate cancer patients (P value = 0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The incidence of cancer has increased over the past 10 years in both genders and ages. It is suggested that future studies should address the causes and factors behind the increasing incidence of common cancers.

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Abstract International experience has shown that the increasing diversity in healthcare services precludes the integration of all services under a government health insurance plan in terms of performance and economy; no institution receiving a fixed amount of money per capita is able to provide all services. Supplementary insurance is used in many countries.¹ In Iran, comprehensive coverage of medical costs through a basic government medical insurance program is not possible because of the rising costs of diagnosis, use of more up-to-date and expensive medical technologies, and the development of new treatment methods. The number of people deprived of the right to healthcare is increasing daily. The structure of complementary insurance is based on participation and provides three types of coverage: completion of services, completion of costs, and integration of costs and services. In many leading countries, insurance is provided to a group with the participation of the insured and the insured’s employer who pays the employee’s premiums.

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Abstract Background: It is important to set up hospitals, since they play a key role in providing health care services based on the budget allocated to the health sector.
Objective:  This study evaluated factors militating against the establishment of hospitals in Iran. It also emphasized the importance of health care services.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 using a qualitative approach. The study sample consisted of 22 people, officials, administrators and health experts who were recruited by purposeful selection. In order to collect data, a semi-structured interview was conducted. Data was analyzed using an Atlas-Ti software.
Results: Analysis of the interviews suggest that the issue of providing services in terms of ease of access and equity in the allocation of health services is also the focus of particular attention. The socio-economic status of regions were examined in terms of the need for poverty alleviation, equity in health and well-being of interest to industry participants. The survey interviews revealed that the issue of financing and human resources for provincial hospitals, were the key challenges raised by participants in the study.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, feasibility studies and evidence-based management optimal decisions were adopted in order to build and operate hospitals in the provinces.