Development and Validation of the Iranian Neonatal Prematurity Minimum Data Set (IMSPIMDS): A Systematic Review Using Focus Group Discussion and the Delphi Technique

Background: information systems help to collect information about patients. the minimumdata set (mds) provides the basis for decision-making.objectives: this study was conducted to determine the comprehensive national mds forprematurity information management system (imspimds) in iranmethods: this research is a cross-sectional study with three steps, including systematic review,focus group discussion, and the delphi technique. a systematic review was conducted in relevantdatabases. then, a focus group discussion was used to classify the extracted data elements bycontributing specialists in various fields. finally, mdss were chosen through the decision delphitechnique in two rounds. collected data were analyzed using spss 26.results: in total, 233 data elements were included in the delphi survey. the data elementsbased on the experts’ opinions, were classified into two main categories, including maternaland newborn. the final data elements for maternal and newborn categories were 107 and 126.conclusions: the existence of a national mds as the core of the premature newborn surveillanceprogram is essential and leads to appropriate decisions. we developed and internally validatedan mds for prematurity studies. this study generated new knowledge to enable healthcaresystem professionals to collect relevant and meaningful data. the use of this standardizedapproach can help benchmark clinical practice and target improvements worldwide.