Context: Disaster management is one of Iran’s primary health care (PHC) areas, and it is becoming increasingly important due to continuous disasters.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a national accreditation model for disaster management in Iran’s PHC system. 

Methods: The primary model was developed by reviewing the literature/documents and organizing specialized interviews with the experts. Then, the Delphi technique was used to reach a consensus among experts on the developed model. The primary standards were assessed from the experts' perspective based on "importance" and "feasibility" criteria on a 9-degree scale. In two rounds of Delphi, 14 out of 16 experts completed the questionnaires.

Results: The final developed model emphasizes providing required resources, enhancing the preparedness of health centers and households, taking appropriate actions in three phases of disaster, and evaluating the disaster management program.

Conclusions: Considering the strong consensus among experts on the Delphi stage, this model can improve disaster management performance.

BACKGROUND: Conventional rehabilitation methods have shown limited and transient improvements, necessitating personalized approaches in the diverse population of Cerebellar Ataxia. Wii Balance Board exergame training, integrating physical exercise with interactive video games, presents a novel and engaging neuro-rehabilitation strategy.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility of implementation of Wii Balance Board-based exergame training among individuals with various forms of Cerebellar Ataxia. The secondary objective was to investigate the preliminary efficacy, and assess the enjoyment of the intervention.

METHODS: The study incorporates a pilot randomized control trial and feasibility study design. We recruited 10 patients using a block randomization method. The Wii Balance Board training was administered for 18 sessions, 3 sessions per week, till 6 weeks. The primary outcomes of feasibility testing were evaluated through clinical research log documentation, while secondary outcomes of balance, ataxia severity rate, functional independence and enjoyment were assessed with mini-BESTest, SARA, FIMs and EEQ. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to evaluate changes in outcomes.

RESULTS: The study enrollment rate was 77% (n=10). The Wii intervention group showed a 100% (n=5) retention rate compared to 80% (n=4) in the control group. The Wii intervention group demonstrated a tendency towards better outcomes at follow-up in SARA (p=0.063, effect size/R_M =0.84) and Mini-BESTest (p=0.071, effect size/R_M =0.79) but not in the case of FIM (p=0.794, effect size/R_M =0.14), along with reported a moderate level of enjoyment.

CONCLUSION: Wii Balance Board based-exergame training is considered feasible for implementation in clinical settings among individuals with various forms of Cerebellar Ataxia, that suggesting the conduction of a larger definitive study to further explore the intervention efficacy.

Background: Knowledge-based companies are private or cooperative companies that aim to enhance the synergy of science and wealth, promote knowledge-based economy, and achieve scientific and economic goals.

Methods: The present study is an applied research with a cross-sectional perspective, utilizing a qualitative and exploratory approach. The grounded theory method, specifically the Glaserian approach, is employed for data analysis. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. The collected data was transcribed and imported into the MAXQDA software for analysis.

Results: After conducting the interviews, various theories within similar conceptual groups were identified and open-coded. The interviews were transcribed in docx format and analyzed line-by-line. Codes were assigned to relevant sections of the interviews, leading to the formulation of models and insights.

The future is something that people can design and shape with their purposeful actions, and it is the only opportunity we have to pursue our ideals, dreams, goals, strategies, and so on. The pulsating changes are the heart of the future, and our surrounding world is also a dynamic, uncontrollable world with extensive communications and full of uncertainty. The crises around us today are the result of not paying attention to them and not considering the speed of these changes. It should be noted that awareness of future changes requires future studies to reduce threats and increase opportunities that enable us to perform appropriately at future events. Considering the extensive history of changes in the healthcare system, it can be expected that we will see more changes in the future, which requires an understanding of future situations and alignment with future changes in healthcare.

Background and Aims: National cancer control programs (NCCPs) are pivotal in addressing the global burden of cancer through prevention, detection, treatment, and supportive care strategies. Comparing the effectiveness of these programs is crucial for optimizing cancer care practices worldwide. This study evaluates NCCPs in Iran, the USA, the UK, Turkey, and Finland to provide insights into enhancing global cancer care practices.

Materials and Methods: We compared Iran's NCCP with those of selected countries, focusing on key components including prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, research, and registration. A systematic literature search identified relevant articles discussing NCCPs of Iran and comparison countries. Peer-reviewed journals and reputable databases were utilized for article retrieval. Inclusion criteria comprised English articles offering comprehensive information on NCCP components, while exclusion criteria involved articles not directly comparing NCCPs or lacking relevant data. Qualitative analysis of selected articles identified similarities and differences in program implementation and effectiveness. Grey literature and official government documents supplemented findings.

Result: Five studies on national cancer control programs from America, England, Finland, Turkey, and Iran were identified, revealing diverse approaches and shared objectives in global cancer treatment management. While comprehensive program components were similar across nations, nuanced differences emerged. More developed nations exhibited detailed strategies, while challenges such as treatment access and palliative care integration persisted elsewhere. Variations in prevention initiatives, screening methods, treatment accessibility, and research funding mechanisms underscored the complexity of global cancer control efforts.

Conclusion: Comparing national cancer control programs across America, England, Finland, Turkey, and Iran highlights diverse approaches and shared objectives in managing cancer treatment globally. While program components were similar, differences existed, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and collaborative strategies to address disparities and optimize cancer care practices worldwide.

Social marketing aims to address public health challenges by promoting positive behavior change through the application of marketing principles and techniques. This approach involves the creation, communication, and delivery of value-based interventions designed to drive social change and enhance public welfare (1). By leveraging commercial marketing concepts and tools, social marketing advances social objectives and improves societal well-being. It emphasizes understanding and addressing the needs, wants, and motivations of the target audience to effectively influence behavior (2). This method involves the systematic planning and execution of campaigns aimed at achieving specific social goals, such as improving health outcomes, promoting environmental sustainability, and encouraging civic engagement (3). Social marketing plays a crucial role in healthcare by reaching diverse populations, raising awareness, changing attitudes, and ultimately motivating individuals to adopt healthier behaviors. Notable applications include smoking cessation (4), promoting vaccination uptake (5), combating obesity and encouraging healthy eating habits (6), raising mental health awareness and reducing stigma (7), HIV/AIDS prevention (8), road safety and injury prevention (9), controlling the spread of pandemic (10), and increasing awareness about organ donation (11).