Document Type : Original Article
Author
Department of Health Information Technology, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Context: Damages and loss of life sustained during an earthquake results from falling structures
and flying glass and objects. To address these and other problems, new information technology
and systems as a means can improve crisis management and crisis response. The most
important factor for managing the crisis depends on our readiness before disasters by useful
data. Aims: This study aimed to determine the Earthquake Information Management System
(EIMS) in India, Afghanistan and Iran, and describe how we can reduce destruction by EIMS
in crisis management. Materials and Methods: This study was an analytical comparison in
which data were collected by questionnaire, observation and checklist. The population was
EIMS in selected countries. Sources of information were staff in related organizations, scientific
documentations and Internet. For data analysis, Criteria Rating Technique, Delphi Technique
and descriptive methods were used. Results: Findings showed that EIMS in India (Disaster
Information Management System), Afghanistan (Management Information for Natural Disasters)
and Iran are decentralized. The Indian state has organized an expert group to inspect issues
about disaster decreasing strategy. In Iran, there was no useful and efficient EIMS to evaluate
earthquake information. Conclusions: According to outcomes, it is clear that an information
system can only influence decisions if it is relevant, reliable and available for the decisionmakers in a timely fashion. Therefore, it is necessary to reform and design a model. The model
contains responsible organizations and their functions.
Keywords
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