title: Quality evaluation of portal sites in health system, as a tool for education and learning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The main objective of creating a portal is to make information service available for users who need them for performance of duties and responsibilities regardless of the sources. This article is attempted to consider the parameters that can evaluate these sites since these criteria can be effective in designing and implementing such portals. On the other hand, portal sites in health systems of every country make it possible for leaders, policy makers, and directors to system education as a tool for new learning technologies. One of the main decisions each manager has to make is precise selection of appropriate portal sites.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a descriptive and qualitative study. The research sample was 53 computer professional working in the area of computer programming and design. In the first part of the study a questionnaire was send to the participants and in the second part of the study based on their response to the questionnaire the participant was interviewed and the main themes of the studies were formulated. The validity and the reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study results were summarized in 10 themes and 50 sub-categories. The main themes included were portal requirements, security, management, and efficiency, user friendliness, built-in applications, portal flexibility, interoperability, and support systems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Portal sites in any education systems make it possible for health system leaders and policy makers to manage their organization information system efficiently and effectively. One of the major decisions each manager has to make is precise selection of an appropriate portal sites design and development. The themes and sub-categories of this study could help health system managers and policy makers and information technology professionals to make appropriate decisions regarding portal design and development.
authors: Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Health Services Management and Medical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Sayed Mehdi
authors: SM
authors: Hejazi
authors: Isfahan Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Sima
authors: S
authors: Sarmadi
keywords: Distance education; education; educational activities; information; portal website