Designing a Model for Evaluating Organizational Health Literacy in Hospitals Using a Hybrid DEMATEL–Fuzzy Network Analysis (FDANP) Approach

Masoud Abolhallaje; Meghdad Rahati; Abbas Taghavi Ardakani; Zahra Sakeni; Masoud Etedali; Alireza Ganjipour; Saeed Amini; Ali Valinejadi

Koomesh

Journal of Semnan University of Medical Sciences

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https://doi.org/10.69107/koomesh-165833

Designing a Model for Evaluating Organizational Health Literacy in Hospitals Using a Hybrid DEMATEL–Fuzzy Network Analysis (FDANP) Approach

Author(s):

Masoud Abolhallaje¹,

Meghdad Rahati

²,

Abbas Taghavi Ardakani³,

Zahra Sakeni³,

Masoud Etedali²,

Alireza Ganjipour

²,

Saeed Amini

²,

Ali Valinejadi

^2,*

1Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

2Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran

3Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

Koomesh:Vol. 28, issue 2; e165833

Published online:May 30, 2026

Article type:Research Article

How to Cite:Abolhallaje M, Rahati M, Taghavi Ardakani A, Sakeni Z, Etedali M, et al. Designing a Model for Evaluating Organizational Health Literacy in Hospitals Using a Hybrid DEMATEL–Fuzzy Network Analysis (FDANP) Approach. koomesh. 2026;28(2):e165833. doi: https://doi.org/10.69107/koomesh-165833

Abstract

Background: Enhancing organizational health literacy in hospitals can lead to improved service quality and increased patient satisfaction. Objectives: This study aims to design a model for evaluating organizational health literacy in hospitals using a hybrid DEMATEL–Fuzzy Network Analysis (FDANP) approach. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study with a quantitative approach employed the FDANP method to assess organizational health literacy in hospitals. The research was conducted at Khomein University of Medical Sciences from October 2023 to March 2024. The study population consisted of seven hospital management experts and faculty members selected through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included validated questionnaires, expert interviews, and MATLAB software. Results: In designing the organizational health literacy evaluation model for hospitals, the dimensions of “management and leadership”, “human resources”, and “organizational resources” were identified as causal and influential factors with relative weights of 15%, 15.6%, and 16.2%, respectively. The dimensions of “policy-making”, “processes, products, and services”, and “results” were identified as effect factors with relative weights of 18.2%, 17.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. The criteria of “developing patient education policies” (6.2%), “systematic process management” (6.1%), and “policy-making for improving health literacy” (6%) were identified as the most important indicators. “Enablers” and “results” accounted for 82.25% and 17.75% of the total model, respectively. Conclusion: To enhance organizational health literacy in hospitals, it is essential to focus on policy-making, education, and systematic process management. The integration of DEMATEL and fuzzy network analysis approaches improves the accuracy and comprehensiveness of evaluation models. The proposed model can serve as an effective tool for hospitals to assess and promote organizational health literacy.

Keywords

Health Literacy

Hospital

Policy Making

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Author(s):

Masoud Abolhallaje:[PubMed][Scholar]
Meghdad Rahati:[PubMed][Scholar]
Abbas Taghavi Ardakani:[PubMed][Scholar]
Zahra Sakeni:[PubMed][Scholar]
Masoud Etedali:[PubMed][Scholar]
Alireza Ganjipour:[PubMed][Scholar]
Saeed Amini:[PubMed][Scholar]
Ali Valinejadi:[PubMed][Scholar]

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Designing a Model for Evaluating Organizational Health Literacy in Hospitals Using a Hybrid DEMATEL–Fuzzy Network Analysis (FDANP) Approach

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