Title:	ON THE USE OF SOCIAL HEALTHCARE NETWORKS IN IRAN ADDRESSING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Author(s):	Seyed Hossein Kalantar, Sara Sadeghi, Tamara Trifunovic, Nikola Petkovic, Maryam Mousavikhah, Gustaf Juell-Skielse
ISBN:	978-972-8939-70-0
Editors:	Mário Macedo
Year:	2012
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	Social Healthcare Network (SHN), Cardiovascular Diseases in Iran, Survey of SHNs, SHNs features
Type:	Short Paper
First Page:	165
Last Page:	170
Language:	English
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Paper Abstract:	Since the demand for healthcare services increasingly surpasses supply, it is important for the industry to increase its efficiency and give people innovative resources to manage their wellness. Information Technology (IT) has become a critical factor in improving operational efficiency, achieving better quality, and providing innovative care solutions. One of these innovations is the application of Social Healthcare Networks (SHNs) which facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing in the healthcare sector. This paper explores potential use of SHNs in Iran to address cardiovascular diseases since these are among the main causes of mortality in the country. Properties, characteristics, and different aspects of current SHNs were studied and a survey was conducted among potential users of these networks in Iran. The survey results revealed that 75% of participants have not used any Persian healthcare websites or found them in poor quality. Moreover, 66% of them expressed their interest in sharing and discussing health related issues. This indicates that this area is mostly an untouched and therefore there are excellent opportunities for players to invest in Iranian healthcare networks. In addition, this study classifies, quantifies, and ranks the preferences that Iranian users want to see in sites dealing with cardiovascular diseases. 80% of the participants considered prevention as the most important content. The study also shows that tracking, monitoring, calculating, and recording personal health, as well as sharing, and exchanging facilities which operate in a secure mode and conserve their privacy are the most attractive features they would want in cardiovascular SHNs.
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