Background and Objectives: Nowadays, virtual social networks play a significant role in the exchange of health information and promotion of health. Moreover, they provide a good opportunity to create a suitable and comprehensive platform for dissemination and sharing of information and increase the quality of health care services in form of health information social networks. Given the high costs required to implement and provide services based on new technologies, it is necessary to reduce the unnecessary costs through the design and presentation of a model. This study aimed to provide a model for the health information social network.Methods: This study was an analytical survey. The components of the proposed network were identified through the review of the literature based on the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA). The statistical population included 380 faculty members of medical universities. The data were analyzed using SPSS Amos software (version 19). Results:Based on the obtained EFA results, the proposed network had six dimensions that accounted for 80% of the variance of the components of the health information social network model. The CFA results confirmed the good fit of the model as well. Conclusion:The study results demonstrated that the obtained model was an appropriate and comprehensive platform and would provide appropriate services in form of a health information social network.

Background and Objectives: In recent years, social networks have been considered by organizations active in the health sector. They have provided many opportunities for consulting, training, and information sharing and held promises to increase the quality and safety of health care and reduce costs. So it is necessary to study their dimensions and requirements. This study aims to identify the components of the health information social network from the perspective of experts. Methods: This research is an analytical survey using the Delphi method. The statistical population included 28 experts in the field of health information technology in Iran. The data collection tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was 0.96 according to the Cronbach α coefficient. SPSS software version 19 was used for data analysis. Results: According to this research, the health information social network has 6 dimensions, each has several components (a total of 47 components). These dimensions include services, core users, requirements, information security, evaluation and monitoring, and technical features. Conclusion: The dimensions of this network are based on the collective opinion of experts and are a framework for creating a social network of health information. Its use helps in planning and decision making and providing high-quality health services and leads to quality improvement of health indicators.