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JMIS 2025, 11(1): 93-108 |
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Ethics code: IR.MUMS.IRH.REC.1403.185
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Ebrahimi S, Dolatkhah Laein G, Talkhi N, Tavakolian A. The public awareness in Mashhad about distribution of specialized medical services in emergency departments through the city. JMIS 2025; 11 (1) :93-108
URL: http://jmis.hums.ac.ir/article-1-595-en.html
URL: http://jmis.hums.ac.ir/article-1-595-en.html
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract: (357 Views)
Introduction: With increasing specialization of services, no hospital can cover all emergency services, and selecting the appropriate destination is critical for reducing delays and improving outcomes. This study aimed to assess public awareness of the distribution of specialized emergency services in hospitals of Mashhad, Iran.
Methods: This web-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from Bahman 1403 to Ordibehesht 1404 among Mashhad residents aged 18–70 years, and participants were recruited through non-probability sampling via Telegram. The minimum required sample size was estimated as 384 using the single-proportion approach for a cross-sectional study (p=0.5, d=0.05, 95% confidence level). A researcher-developed instrument (16 multiple-choice questions in Google Forms) was finalized after expert review and pilot testing (n=11), and demonstrated acceptable reliability (α=0.763, ω=0.842). Of 1,217 responses received, 876 were included in the analysis, and analyses were performed using nonparametric tests and multivariable regression with post-stratification weighting in Python 3.9.
Results: The mean overall awareness index was 0.553 (unweighted) and 0.563 (weighted) with acceptable reliability (α=0.763, ω=0.842). Women demonstrated higher awareness than men (0.592 vs. 0.534, P<0.001). Education showed an inverse relationship with awareness; individuals with doctoral degrees had the lowest awareness (0.503). The highest awareness was observed for otolaryngology services (0.615) and the lowest for pediatric neurology (0.421).
Discussion: Public awareness of the distribution of specialized emergency services was low. This finding, along with confusion in identifying certain services, demonstrates the need for developing digital guidance platforms, targeted branding of specialized centers, and integration of information with the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
Methods: This web-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from Bahman 1403 to Ordibehesht 1404 among Mashhad residents aged 18–70 years, and participants were recruited through non-probability sampling via Telegram. The minimum required sample size was estimated as 384 using the single-proportion approach for a cross-sectional study (p=0.5, d=0.05, 95% confidence level). A researcher-developed instrument (16 multiple-choice questions in Google Forms) was finalized after expert review and pilot testing (n=11), and demonstrated acceptable reliability (α=0.763, ω=0.842). Of 1,217 responses received, 876 were included in the analysis, and analyses were performed using nonparametric tests and multivariable regression with post-stratification weighting in Python 3.9.
Results: The mean overall awareness index was 0.553 (unweighted) and 0.563 (weighted) with acceptable reliability (α=0.763, ω=0.842). Women demonstrated higher awareness than men (0.592 vs. 0.534, P<0.001). Education showed an inverse relationship with awareness; individuals with doctoral degrees had the lowest awareness (0.503). The highest awareness was observed for otolaryngology services (0.615) and the lowest for pediatric neurology (0.421).
Discussion: Public awareness of the distribution of specialized emergency services was low. This finding, along with confusion in identifying certain services, demonstrates the need for developing digital guidance platforms, targeted branding of specialized centers, and integration of information with the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
Keywords: Emergency Service, Hospitals, Emergency Medical Services, Health Services Accessibility Public Awareness.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/08/21 | Accepted: 2024/12/30 | Published: 2025/03/21
Received: 2025/08/21 | Accepted: 2024/12/30 | Published: 2025/03/21
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