recent years have witnessed a parallel and seemingly contradictory trend towards both the standardization and the customization of healthcare and medical treatment. here, we explore what is meant by ‘standardization’ and ‘customization’ in healthcare settings and explore the implications of these changes for healthcare delivery. we frame the paradox of these divergent and opposing factors in te...

Background Health literacy presents an enormous challenge in the delivery of effective healthcare and quality outcomes. We evaluated the impact of low health literacy (LHL) on healthcare utilization and healthcare expenditure.   Methods Database analysis used Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2005-2008 which provides nationally representative estimates of healthcare utilization and e...

background: iran has a high c-section rate (40.6% in 2005). the objective of this study was to assess the associations and population-attributable risks (par) of risk factors combinations and c-section in the southwest iran. methods: we performed a population-based cohort study using the reports provided by shiraz university of medical sciences. the cohort included pregnant women within septemb...

responding to critical shortages of physicians, most sub-saharan countries have scaled up training of nonphysician clinicians (npcs), resulting in a gradual but decisive shift to npcs as the cornerstone of healthcare delivery. this development should unfold in parallel with strategic rethinking about the role of physicians and with innovations in physician education and in-service training. in ...

the discussion between general practitioners (gps) and healthcare delivery organizations necessitates a common language. the presentation of the 4 types of gp’s activities, opens dialogue but can lead to possible misunderstandings between the micro- and macro-level of the healthcare system. this commentary takes 4 examples: costs reduction by p4, priority of beneficence or nonmaleficence, role ...

introduction: patients are recently more aware and conscious. this is because of the belief that a high level of quality can translate into patient satisfaction. this is critical for healthcare providers as they deal with life. this recognition by both the service provider and service receivers made the government to establish units of service commission (servicom) in each of the governmental a...

The discussion between general practitioners (GPs) and healthcare delivery organizations necessitates a common language. The presentation of the 4 types of GP’s activities, opens dialogue but can lead to possible misunderstandings between the micro- and macro-level of the healthcare system. This commentary takes 4 examples: costs reduction by P4, priority of beneficence or nonmaleficence, role ...

The focus of healthcare ethics within the framework of ethical principles and philosophical foundations has always, in recent times, been the community, namely, the healthcare provider, the patient or, in research, the study participant. An initiative is thus described whereby a community of practice (CoP) model was developed around health ethics in health research, education and clinical care....

background: cesarean section (c-section) in the north of iran accounts for 70% of childbirths, which is higher than the national average of 55%. understanding women’s perceptions towards modes of delivery in different cultures can pave the way for promoting programs and policies in support of vaginal delivery. we aimed to investigate women’s perceptions towards modes of delivery in the north of...

objective: this study focused on the factors affecting the institutional delivery and delivery assisted by health professionals in urban slums. materials and methods: a semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect information from women aged 15-49 who had at least one birth. totally 540 eligible women were interviewed. results: the results showed that around 20% of women delivered at ...