Developing framework for agent- based diabetes disease management system: user perspective.
BACKGROUND
One of the characteristics of agents is mobility which makes them very suitable for remote electronic health and tele medicine. The aim of this study is developing a framework for agent based diabetes information management at national level through identifying required agents.


METHODS
The main tool is a questioner that is designed in three sections based on studying library resources, performance of major organizations in the field of diabetes in and out of the country and interviews with experts in the medical, health information management and software fields. Questionnaires based on Delphi methods were distributed among 20 experts. In order to design and identify agents required in health information management for the prevention and appropriate and rapid treatment of diabetes, the results were analyzed using SPSS 17 and Results were plotted with FREEPLANE mind map software.


RESULTS
ACCESS TO DATA TECHNOLOGY IN PROPOSED FRAMEWORK IN ORDER OF PRIORITY IS: mobile (mean 1/80), SMS, EMAIL (mean 2/80), internet, web (mean 3/30), phone (mean 3/60), WIFI (mean 4/60).


CONCLUSIONS
In delivering health care to diabetic patients, considering social and human aspects is essential. Having a systematic view for implementation of agent systems and paying attention to all aspects such as feedbacks, user acceptance, budget, motivation, hierarchy, useful standards, affordability of individuals, identifying barriers and opportunities and so on, are necessary.
Health Information Management Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Niloofar
N
Mohammadzadeh
Health Information Management Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Reza
R
Safdari
School of Allied-Health Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Azin
A
Rahimi
Diabetes; agent based system; disease management