Development of a Minimum Data Set and Web-Based Information System for Medicinal Plants
Authors
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Mahtab Karami
Environmental Pollution, Research Center for Health Technology Assessment and Medical Informatics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2335-6627
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Mahdieh Afkhami
Department of Health Information Technology and Management, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3177-336X
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Afsaneh Karimi
Pregnancy Health Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Zahedan, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3728-4513
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22100/ijhs.v12i6.1316Keywords:
Medicinal plants, Minimum data set, Website development, Traditional medicine, Information systemAbstract
Background: This study explores the extraction and application of a Minimum Data Set (MDS) for the development of a comprehensive medicinal plants website. The primary objective is to develop a digital platform that provides accurate, well-organized, and practical information on the characteristics, uses, and properties of medicinal plants. This data-driven approach improves accessibility for researchers, healthcare professionals, and enthusiasts, playing a vital role in advancing scientific and medical resources.
Methods: A qualitative, multi-phase methodology was employed. In Phase 1, the MDS was identified through a literature review and expert consultation using a Delphi technique involving 40 specialists from traditional medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and environmental sciences. In Phase 2, a prototype website was developed using user-centered design principles and modern web technologies. Phase 3 involved a usability assessment using the System Usability Scale (SUS) with domain experts and end-users.
Results: The final MDS comprised five main data categories: plant features, usage contexts, regional attributes, images, and classification order. The prototype website offered bilingual access (English and Persian), a searchable plant database, detailed plant profiles, user account management, and reporting tools. Usability testing yielded a SUS score of 83.75/100, indicating strong user satisfaction. The pilot phase confirmed the website’s functionality and data integrity.
Conclusion: The developed website provides an accessible, validated, and comprehensive platform for disseminating structured information on medicinal plants. It bridges traditional and modern knowledge systems, supports interdisciplinary research, aids healthcare professionals, promotes safe public use, and contributes to medical tourism. Its flexible architecture also allows for future scalability and integration with geographic and conservation data.
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