CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of the Study
Providing an improved healthcare system that delivers high-quality care across all levels necessitates a well-organized and efficient health information infrastructure. This infrastructure is crucial for monitoring the health of the population and supplying accurate, sufficient, and timely information for managerial decision-making both within and outside medical institutions.
According to Huffman (1991) as referenced in Osundina and Kolawole (2015), health information comprises a concise, accurate history of a patient's life and medical condition, documented from a medical perspective. It serves as a tool for recording significant patient and illness characteristics, along with events occurring during professional care. Its purpose spans providing optimal medical care, education, research, medical practice evaluation, and legal compliance.
In certain instances, healthcare information interfaces with multiple sectors across different cycles. Consequently, healthcare organizations find it crucial to establish Health Information Management (HIM) departments responsible for overseeing requirements and conducting training and staff education. HIM managers operate within various global organizations and businesses (Covetus LLC, 2020). Prioritizing Health Information Management yields numerous benefits for organizations, enhancing efficiency and optimizing the healthcare system.
The realm of Health Information Management (HIM) encompasses the processes linked to the maintenance and administration of medical records, spanning across both conventional (paper-based) and electronic methodologies. These practices extend across hospitals, clinics, health departments, insurance firms, and other healthcare-related facilities. The ongoing computerization of health records and related information, including hospital administration and healthcare workforce details, has led to an increased utilization of health informatics and health information technology within the healthcare sector's information management processes (Cypress College, 2020).
The specialized field of Health Information Management (HIM), which centers around the science of health records and the categorization/terminology involved, continues to play a crucial part in guaranteeing the proper utilization of patient data for secondary purposes. For healthcare providers and other entities covered by HIPAA, Health Information Management is crucial to secure patient data. This involves tasks such as medical coding, ensuring compliance with governmental regulations, managing medical record retention, and analyzing medical trends (Covetus LLC, 2020).
Healthcare information (HI) experts possess advanced training in the most up-to-date technology applications for managing information. They possess a comprehensive understanding of the workflow processes within healthcare provider establishments, ranging from expansive hospital systems to individual medical practices. These professionals play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operational management of health information and electronic health records (EHRs), ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and security of patients' health information (Indiana Health Information Management Association, 2023).
HI professionals wield a remarkable influence. They act as the bridge connecting clinicians, administrators, technology developers, operations teams, and information technology experts. Their impact extends to the quality of patient information and care at each interaction point within the healthcare delivery cycle (Indiana Health Information Management Association, 2023). These experts engage in the standardization of disease and treatment classifications to ensure consistency for clinical, financial, and legal applications in healthcare. Their responsibility lies in tending to patients through the management of their medical data, guaranteeing the excellence, integrity, security, and confidentiality of patients' health information (AHIMA, 2023).
The importance of practicing health information management cannot be overstated when it comes to the effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems. A meticulously structured and well-coordinated health information management system is recognized for furnishing the necessary information for decision-making across all tiers of healthcare provision.
This study focuses on examining the impact of Health Information Management in healthcare delivery, using the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin City as a case study.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Numerous obstacles confront the management of information within healthcare services, especially within the healthcare delivery framework. Despite the crucial role that health information management practice plays in the healthcare system, Nigeria encounters several difficulties in this area. These challenges encompass a shortage of personnel with the necessary skills, a dearth of modern technology, inadequate financial resources and materials, as well as a lack of experience. Consequently, there is a pressing necessity to evaluate the significance of the healthcare delivery system.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of Health Information Management on healthcare delivery at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of the study are:
1. To establish the significance of health information management practice within the healthcare delivery system.
2. To evaluate the obstacles encountered within the health information management system.
3. To identify the essential measures for enhancing health information management within healthcare delivery.
1.5 Research Questions
The research questions guiding this study are:
1. How important is the practice of health information management in the healthcare delivery system at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital?
2. What are the primary difficulties and obstacles faced in the health information management system at UBTH?
3. What strategies should be implemented to strengthen and enhance health information management in healthcare delivery at UBTH?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
The research hypothesis for this study is:
H0: There is no significant relationship between the practice of health information management and the quality of health care delivery at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Ha: There is a significant relationship between the practice of health information management and the quality of health care delivery at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
1.7 Justification of the Study
The significance of this study is underscored by the increasing importance of efficient Health Information Management (HIM) practices in contemporary healthcare systems. With the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) serving as a case study, this research seeks to contribute to the understanding of the impact of HIM on healthcare delivery. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for healthcare institutions aiming to optimize their health information management systems, thereby leading to improved patient care quality, enhanced administrative efficiency, and better-informed decision-making processes.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study focuses exclusively on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin City, Nigeria. It aims to investigate the impact of Health Information Management on the quality of healthcare delivery within the hospital's framework.
