Designing the Minimum Data Set for Iranian Children Health Records

Minimum data set(MDS) is the first important step in the development of healthcare information systems, becauseit makes a standard method for collecting key data elements .The aim of the current study was to determine the minimum data set forIranian children's healthcare records.
This study is an applied and descriptive-comparative research carried out in 2015. Data collection was done through a researcher made check list of children's health care data which was modeled by observing Australia, Canada, United States and Iran and contained 242 items. The check list was subjected to debate in Delphi method by 20 experts in the field of Child Health and health information management.
Findings: Out of 242 elements of children's health care discussed, 146 and 86 agreed by more than %75 and by 50-75% of experts respectively while 10 elements were rejected by them. Out of 242 items,just two (contraceptive method and mother unsuccessful experience in previous lactation) showed significant differences between responses of alumni groups of pediatrician, midwifery, public health and health care management experts with medical record and information management professionals (PDiscussion & This study showed that some of the essential data elements presented in other countries’MDS are required for Iranian organizations and health care providers. So, a complete list of a minimum set of data elements was created.