Farideh Hashemian Nejad, Nasrollah Veysi, Naser Shirkavand, Jamal Ashoori,
Volume 18, Issue 8 (11-2015)
Abstract
Background: Many of key problems in students with attention deficit disorder are related to executive dysfunction that in this field neurofeedback training and computer games are effective. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback training and computer games on continuous attention and planning ability in students with attention deficit disorder.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design and with a control group. The statistical population was included all elementary students with attention deficit disorder that referred to counseling centers of Mashhad city in 2013. Totally, 45 students were selected through available sampling method and randomly assigned to three groups. The experimental groups were educated 12 sessions of 60 minutes by neurofeedback and computer games methods. To assess continuous attention and planning, the CPT and Tower of London computerized tests were used, respectively. Data were analyzed by using the SPSS-19 software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MONCOVA) methods.
Results: The findings showed that both methods of neurofeedback training and computer games significantly lead to increase continuous attention and planning in students with attention deficit disorder. Also, there wasn't any significant difference between two methods in continuous attention and planning (P<0/05).
Conclusion: The results showed that neurofeedback training and computer games methods were effective in improving continuous attention and planning for students with attention deficit disorder. Therefore, counselors and therapists can use mentioned methods in treatment of students with attention deficit disorder.
Sara Derakhshan, Fateme Ganjeh, Korosh Rezaei, Elaheh Noroozi ,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic people, while one of the prominent sources of anxiety in patients is the time of discharge from the hospital. This study aimed to determine the effect of the SMART discharge protocol on the anxiety of diabetic foot ulcer patients.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 50 patients with diabetic foot ulcers Were divided equally into two control (25 patients) and intervention (25 patients) groups, randomly and based on the Inclusion criteria. In the intervention group, the SMART discharge protocol was implemented from their admission to the day of discharge. The Demographic information questionnaire and Spielberger questionnaire were used to determine patients' anxiety. The data were analyzed at two descriptive and inferential levels.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean score of anxiety for diabetic foot ulcer patients in the two groups before the intervention. In contrast, after the intervention, the mean anxiety score in the two groups showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001).
Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the smart discharge protocol was effective in reducing the anxiety of diabetic foot ulcer patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing officials and managers implement this protocol.
Nahid Chezani Sharahi, Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, Khalil Alimohammadzadeh, Ali Hassan Shaban Khamseh, Mohammadkarim Bahadori,
Volume 28, Issue 6 (1-2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Health system planning, as a core function of health governance, plays a crucial role in resource allocation, performance improvement, and equity promotion. Despite recent reforms, evidence suggests that planning processes in Iran’s health system still face significant structural, managerial, and implementation challenges. This study aimed to identify and explain the key challenges of health system planning in Iran.
Methods: qualitative study was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. Seventeen participants—including senior and middle managers, faculty members, and health planning experts at national and university levels—were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews over eight months and analyzed using MAXQDA version 20. Credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were ensured to strengthen the trustworthiness of the findings.
Results: Thematic analysis led to the identification of 160 initial codes, 36 organized themes, and 9 overarching themes. The main categories of challenges included: human resources, leadership and governance, processes and regulations, inter- and intra-sectoral coordination, budgeting and financing, physical infrastructure and equipment, health information and technology, service delivery, and sociopolitical–cultural–economic factors. Major issues were found in managerial transparency, cross-sectoral collaboration, financial constraints, and the lack of systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Conclusions: The Iranian health planning system suffers from centralization, structural ambiguities, limited stakeholder participation, and weak information systems. Strengthening evidence-informed policymaking, enhancing transparency and accountability, and reforming governance structures are essential for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health system planning.
