Evaluation of Internet booking system in Websites of Health Centers Affiliated with Medical Universities in Iran

Introduction: Internet booking system effectively reduces patient’s waiting time and increase patient satisfaction with health care centers, so the rate of using it is increased. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the internet booking websites of the Universities of Medical Sciences in Iran. Method: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted in 2014. Data was collected through a self-designed check list and study of health care center’s websites (hospitals and clinics). Excel 2007 software was used to summarize and report data. Results: Findings showed that only 9% of the health care centers in the country using internet booking systems. Rayavaran Company more than other companies has worked in design and implementation of such systems. Also, the mean score of “user friendly” of available websites was 4.4. Among the studied centers, internet booking systems of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences had the best status. Conclusion: Most of the health care centers do not use the internet booking websites. The available websites have the capabilities such as search, getting information, giving tracking code and independent port, and the abilities including change or cancel the appointment and useful links are used less in websites. So, it is suggested that the authorities increase the use of internet booking websites in health care centers in the country