Toward a framework of statistical information system 1 for Iranian hospitals

Statistical information is a valuable and strategic resource for decision making to each level of the management, especially in disaster and crisis situations. This issue in hospitals as a health care service due to their function (that are directly related to human life) is more significant. The SIS is required at hospital level to promote this need. This study provided a framework of a Statistical Information System for Iranian hospitals. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted using mixed methods with qualitative approach and Delphi technique during the 2013-14 in four phases: 1. Hospital statistical reports and indicator were identified and collected; 2. Based on the collected reports and indicator, an initial SIS framework was designed; 3. Delphi technique was used to determine the validity of the proposed framework; 4. Each accepted statistical indicator in previous phase was considered as SIS output and then input and process of them were determined. Results: More than 500 reports and indicators identified and about, 85% of them considered in the initial SIS framework; and all Initial SIS framework indicators accepted by the experts in the first round of Delphi. Then a framework of SIS is presented in three major pivots suggested 363 inpatients, emergency and outpatient indicators for the Iranian hospitals. Conclusion: To have timely, accurate, consistent and reliable statistical information for decision making for more and better care in hospital level, a SIS is required. One of the core components of Hospital Information System (HIS) is SIS. In this study, based statistical demand of Iranian hospital and scientific references, a framework of SIS is presented that consists three major pivots. It is clear that statistics in other pivot in hospital like financial, facilities and hospital equipment, human resource indicators and etc. are needed for complete this framework.