Abstract

Background: The number of people living with HIV has increased in Iran. Creating standard templates for reporting HIV in Iran that can fulfil the needs of all beneficiaries is a basic necessity for the foundation of integrates health information systems. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the Minimum Data Set (MDS) that is needed in the HIV/AIDS information exchange. Materials and methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed in 2016. Data were collected from internet resources by using a checklist. The necessary data elements for designing HIV MDS were identified. In order to make a consensus about the data elements, the decision Delphi technique was applied using a questionnaire. The content validity and reliability of questionnaire were assessed by expert's opinions and test-retest method, respectively. Results: An MDS of HIV was developed. The proposed MDS was divided into three data categories includes nonclinical, clinical and supportive with 10, six and three Data classes and 73, 63 and 24 data elements respectively. Discussion: The primary challenge of HIV/AIDS care systems in Iran is insufficient attention to support and consulting programmes as well as the lack of adequate information for accurate and efficient policy and decision-making. Therefore, the existing MDS has been designed to meet the needs of all groups of care providers, Health politicians, healthcare managers, administrative staff, researchers, public health practitioners and support groups (rehabilitation). Finally, it is suggested to use messaging protocols for HIV/AIDS information exchange.