title: Towards age-friendly hospitals in developing countries: a case study in iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Developing countries such as Iran are experiencing a growth in the elderly population. This is a challenge for healthcare providers and their families. This study investigated the extent in which hospitals at Tehran meet the criteria of age-friendly hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this descriptive study, using convenience sampling, 26 hospitals were selected in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The instrument was a checklist included 50 items in the three dimensions of information and training of service providers, management systems in health care centers, physical environment and accessibility of hospitals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most hospitals were in a good condition regarding physical environment and access to public transportation, but in a poor condition for special healthcare programs for the elderly, teaching principles of geriatrics and gerontology, interaction of medical staff, physicians and nurses with senior patients and systems of priority for them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the growing elderly population, it is necessary for health policymakers, especially in developing countries, to consider seriously the issue of elderly healthcare and their need for special outpatient and inpatient services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Hesam
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Seyedin
authors.affiliation: Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fadaye-Vatan
keywords: Age-friendly hospitals; Elderly; Health policy; Healthcare services; Iran; Senior friendly hospitals