ABSTRACT
Health information management systems were evaluated in this research to see whether they were effective in managing records at the national hospital Abuja, Nigeria. The research specifically looked at whether the information management system at Abuja's national hospital was efficient. An electronic gadget or a storage room is used to store hospital data, according to the research. Finally, the research looked at whether or not the usage of an information management system was hindered by any obstacles. Using a survey descriptive research approach, the study was conducted. The survey had 30 valid replies. Research shows that national hospital Abuja has an excellent information management system based on answers and analysis. Records are also preserved electronically at the National Hospital. Patients' satisfaction with the treatment they get in the hospital would improve if more skilled health information management professionals are employed, according to a research. In order to minimize the misfiling and loss of patient files, it is also necessary to file and handle health records properly.
THE FIRST CHAPTER
INTRODUCTION
BASE OF THE STUDY CONTEXT
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are now widely used in almost every facet of daily life, including healthcare. In order to provide better healthcare, HIS was designed to take full use of the Internet, specifically. Information systems in the healthcare industry are often referred to as a combination of people, processes, and technology to support healthcare operations, management, and the delivery of important information. Over time, the healthcare business has evolved from a reasonably stable industry to one that is constantly changing. A variety of technologies has been used to develop health information systems. Health information systems, according to Haux (2006), are systems that process data and deliver information and knowledge in healthcare contexts. A hospital is both the healthcare environment and the healthcare institution in the context of a hospital information system. Information systems in healthcare are designed to improve patient care and save costs. The following are a few HIS-related slang terms. As the name suggests, Health Informatics is concerned with the mental processes of medical professionals and students as well as the information science and technology that enables them to do their work effectively. Informatics in health care includes a wide range of resources, including computers, clinical guidelines, medical terminology, and other forms of electronic communication. The focus is on clinical and biological applications, with the option of integrating clinical components among themselves or with systems of administrative health information (Conrick, 2006). Additionally, Health information technology is the application of information processing involving both computer hardware and software that deals with the storage, retrieval, sharing, and use of health care information, data, and knowledge for communication and decision making (Goldschmidt, 2005). The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is another essential concept in health information systems (HIS). EMR is a medical record in a digital format, whereas electronic health record (EHR) refers to an individual patient’s medical record in a digital format. EHR systems coordinate the storage and retrieval of individual records with the aid of computers, which are usually accessed on a computer, often through a computer network. One of the important trends is the move towards a universal electronic patient record (EPR). EPR is defined as electronically stored health information about one individual uniquely identified by an identifier. Essentially EPR technology entails capturing, storing, retrieving, transmitting, and manipulating patientspecific, healthcare related data singly and comprehensively, including clinical, administrative, and biographical data (Protti et al., 2009).
One of the most interesting aspects of HIS is how to manage the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Fostering good relationship with customer (patient) will retain them and attract them to become loyal customers, create greater mutual understanding, trust, and satisfaction. In addition, a good relationship will encourage patient’s involvement in decision making (Richard and Ronald, 2008). A good relation will foster effective communication which is often associated with improved physical health, more effective chronic disease management, and better health related quality of life (Arora, 2003). Managing relationship must continually develop and grow. A good relationship is a dynamic one that the organization become alert to and aware of changing needs. In turn, when healthcare organizations manage well, patients will want to come back, because loyalty and trust are built. They will know that if they present a difficulty, the organizations will resolve professionally.
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
To examine if national hospital Abuja has an effective information management system.
To evaluate if records at the hospital are kept with an electronic device or are kept in a storage room.
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
.