A framework for information technology-based management against COVID-19 in Iran

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Information Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant global health challenges.
• Iran experienced substantial impact from the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.
• Information technology (IT) applications are crucial for effective pandemic management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic using IT management strategies.
• To integrate extensive literature review and expert knowledge into a practical framework.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature review on IT applications in pandemic management.
• Analyzed Iranian documents detailing practical COVID-19 experiences.
• Developed and validated a conceptual framework using a two-round Delphi approach with 13 experts.

Main Results:

• A conceptual framework identified 22 IT types across six categories: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, Follow-up, Management & Planning, and Protection.
• Key technologies include M-health, AI, IoT, telehealth, and big data for diverse pandemic response functions.
• Iran emphasized IT for prevention (M-health, social media) and management (health information systems, surveillance).

Conclusions:

• Information technology capabilities are critical for combating pandemics like COVID-19.
• Strategic planning incorporating advanced IT and successful pandemic experiences is essential for governments and decision-makers.
• Several IT applications in pandemic management were previously overlooked and require further attention.