Presenting the proposed model of health information social network

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, virtual social networks play a significant role in the exchange of health information and promotion of health. Moreover, they provide a good opportunity to create a suitable and comprehensive platform for dissemination and sharing of information and increase the quality of health care services in form of health information social networks. Given the high costs required to implement and provide services based on new technologies, it is necessary to reduce the unnecessary costs through the design and presentation of a model. This study aimed to provide a model for the health information social network. Methods: This study was an analytical survey. The components of the proposed network were identified through the review of the literature based on the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA). The statistical population included 380 faculty members of medical universities. The data were analyzed using SPSS Amos software (version 19). Results: Based on the obtained EFA results, the proposed network had six dimensions that accounted for 80% of the variance of the components of the health information social network model. The CFA results confirmed the good fit of the model as well. Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that the obtained model was an appropriate and comprehensive platform and would provide appropriate services in form of a health information social network.

Keywords

• social networking
• health information exchange
• health promotion
• information dissemination.