Identifying Effective Factors in Making Smart Hospitals: A Qualitative Study (Content Analysis)

Introduction: Smartening hospitals can be effective in improving the quality and providing faster and better services and increasing the possibility of tracking and security of the equipment in the hospital. The current research aims to identifying effective factors in making hospitals smarter. Methods: The present research is a qualitative method of content analysis. The statistical population includes managers, doctors, experts in the field of hospital intelligence, hospital information and communication technology experts, and hospital medical equipment experts in 2019-2019. Sampling method was done in a purposeful way and by snowball method. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with 12 experts who are familiar with hospital smart issues. The data was analyzed by content analysis and using coding method. Results: The number of 135 primary codes, 22 sub-categories, and after combining the codes, 4 categories including information and communication platforms, advanced medical equipment and facilities, trained human resources and management in hospitals were identified as effective factors for making the hospital smarter. Conclusion: In the present study, 4 categories including information and communication platforms, advanced medical equipment and facilities, trained human resources and management in hospitals were identified as effective factors for making the hospital smarter. It is suggested to use the findings of the present study for better performance in hospitals.