EVALUATING THE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM'S PERFORMANCE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF RECORDS AT THE NATIONAL HOSPITAL ABUJA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: In today's world, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become widely used and have made their way into various areas of life, including the healthcare sector. The Health Information System (HIS) was developed to maximise the potential of the Internet in delivering improved healthcare services. Health information systems often refer to the dynamic interplay between people, processes, and technology. These systems aim to support operations and management by delivering vital information that can enhance the quality of healthcare services. Like other industries, the healthcare industry has undergone a transformation over time. It has evolved from being relatively stable to becoming a dynamic and ever-changing field. Health information systems have undergone significant advancements using various technologies.

According to Haux (2006), health information systems refer to systems that process data and deliver information and knowledge in healthcare settings. Hospital information systems are a specific type of health information system that is designed for use within a hospital. In this context, the hospital serves as both the healthcare environment and the healthcare institution. The objective of health information systems is to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care. Here are some terminologies related to Health Information Systems (HIS). Health Informatics is a field that focuses on the cognitive, information processing, and communication aspects of medical practice, education, and research. It also encompasses the information science and technology that facilitate these tasks. Health informatics tools encompass a range of resources, such as computers, clinical guidelines, formal medical terminologies, and information and communication systems. In simpler terms, the focus is on clinical and biomedical applications. There is also the potential to integrate clinical components with either other clinical components or with administrative health information systems (Conrick, 2006). Health information technology refers to the use of computer hardware and software to process and manage health care information. This includes tasks such as storing, retrieving, sharing, and utilising data and knowledge for communication and decision-making purposes (Goldschmidt, 2005).

Another important term in Health Information Systems (HIS) is Electronic Medical Records (EMR). EMR is a crucial component that is located at the core of any health information system. An EMR is a digital medical record, while an EHR refers to a patient's individual medical record in digital format. Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems utilise computer technology to efficiently manage the storage and retrieval of individual medical records. These systems are typically accessed through computer networks, allowing for convenient and secure access to patient information. One significant trend is the shift towards implementing a universal electronic patient record (EPR). An Electronic Personal Record (EPR) refers to health information that is stored electronically and pertains to a specific individual who is identified by a unique identifier. EPR technology involves the capture, storage, retrieval, transmission, and manipulation of patient-specific healthcare data. This includes clinical, administrative, and biographical information (Protti et al., 2009).

One intriguing aspect of Health Information Systems (HIS) is the management of the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Building strong relationships with customers is crucial for retaining their loyalty and attracting new ones. This fosters mutual understanding, trust, and satisfaction. Furthermore, fostering a positive relationship will promote the active participation of patients in the decision-making process (Richard and Ronald, 2008). A strong relationship can promote effective communication, which is often linked to enhanced physical health, improved management of chronic diseases, and a better quality of life in terms of health (Arora, 2003). Managing relationships requires ongoing development and growth. A good relationship is one that is dynamic, where the organisation remains alert and aware of changing needs. When healthcare organisations are effectively managed, it fosters patient loyalty and trust, resulting in patients wanting to return for future care. The organisations will professionally resolve any difficulties that are presented to them.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Although many hospitals have been trying to infuse electronic health records into their day to day activities as it has been proposed by Ministry of Health Affairs, standards are being set, and both public and private hospitals have to implement the standards. Although electronic mode of patient registration, billing and accounting have been implemented we still find that patients have to physically carry all the records of test reports and the history of health while visiting the doctors. There is no interoperability available. This study makes an attempt to assess the efficacy of health information management system for record management in National Hospital Abuja.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of the study is the efficacy of health information management system for record management in National Hospital Abuja. Specifically the study will be guided under the following objective

1. To examine if national hospital Abuja has an effective information management system.
2. To evaluate if records at the hospital are kept with an electronic device or are kept in a storage room.
3. To examine if there are challenges to the use of information management system.

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The following hypothesis have been formulated for the study

HO1: National hospital Abuja does not have an effective information management system

HO2:  records at the National hospital are not kept with an electronic device .

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will examine The efficacy of health information management system for record management in National Hospital Abuja. Hence it will be significant to the following:

Hospital management board: this study will be of benefit to the hospital management board, as it will enlighten them on the need to invest in technology that wil aid in the proper storage of patients medical records.

Academia:  this study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will  examine if national hospital Abuja has an effective information management system. The study will also evaluate if records at the hospital are kept with an electronic device or are kept in a storage room. Lastly, the study will examine if there are challenges to the use of information management system. Hence this study will be limited to the National hospital Abuja.

LIMITATATION OF THE STUDY

This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows:

 just like any other research, ranging from unavailability of needed accurate materials on the topic under study, inability to get data

Financial constraint , was faced by  the researcher ,in getting relevant materials  and  in printing and collation of questionnaires

Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher.