ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PRIVATE HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS (A CASE STUDY OF FIRST LINE HOSPITAL, UYO)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABSTRACT. ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS. iv

 

CHAPTER ONE. 1

INTRODUCTION. 1

1.1  Background to the Study. 1

1.2  Statement of the Problem.. 4

1.3 Objectives of the Study. 5

1.4 Research Questions. 5

1.5 Research Hypothesis. 6

1.6 Significance of the Study. 6

1.7 Scope of the Study. 7

1.8 Limitations of the Study. 7

1.9 Organization of the Study. 7

1.10 Definition of Terms. 8

CHAPTER TWO.. 11

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE. 11

2.1 Introduction. 11

2.2 Theoretical Review.. 11

2.3.2 Importance of Health Information Management 13

2.3.3 Current Practices in Private Healthcare Institutions. 14

2.3.4 Challenges in Implementing HIM Practices. 14

2.3.5 Data Security and Patient Privacy. 14

2.3.6 Impact on Patient Outcomes. 15

2.3.7 The Role of Technology. 15

2.3.8 Development 16

2.3.9 Regulatory Compliance. 16

2.3.10 Quality Improvement Initiatives. 16

2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 19

CHAPTER THREE. 20

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. 20

3.1  Introduction. 20

3.2  Research Design. 20

3.3  Population and Sample Size. 20

3.4  Data Collection Methods. 21

3.5  Data Analysis Techniques. 22

3.6  Ethical Considerations. 22

3.7  Conclusion. 23

CHAPTER FOUR. 24

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION. 24

4.1 Preamble. 24

4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 24

TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS. 29

4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one: 29

4.4  Testing Hypothesis. 42

4.5  Discussion of Findings. 47

CHAPTER FIVE. 50

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS  50

5.1 Summary of Findings. 50

5.2 Conclusion. 50

5.3 Recommendations. 51

REFERENCES. 53

APPENDICES. 58

APPENDIX I: RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE. 58

 

 

 

 

 


CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background to the Study

Health Information Management (HIM) is a multidisciplinary field that includes the collection, storage, analysis and use of health data and information. It plays a critical role in supporting healthcare delivery, quality improvement, research and policy making. Health information management professionals, such as health information managers and medical records officers, play a critical role in implementing HIM practices.

 

Health information management (HIM) professionals are critical to managing medical records, ensuring the accuracy of data, and assisting in the use of this data to make informed decisions (Awogbami et al. 2020). As Nigeria strives to improve its health system and achieve universal health coverage, the importance of HIM is increasing in this country (Dunmade et al. 2014). These include initiatives to introduce electronic health information systems and digitize medical records. There are moves to introduce electronic health records (EHRs), although many public hospitals in Nigeria continue to use paper-based medical records.

 

According to research, adoption of EHRs is still in its infancy and healthcare organizations and geographic areas vary widely (Musa et al. 2020). Assessing HIM practices in private healthcare organizations is becoming increasingly important given the evolving healthcare landscape. Effective HIM practices are essential to ensure patient safety, improve quality of care, and increase operational efficiency as EHR adoption increases and data-driven decision making takes center stage (McGowan et al. 2021).

 

As private healthcare organizations strive to optimize their information management processes, it becomes critical to understand the current practices, challenges and opportunities in this area. In private healthcare facilities, health information management involves a wide range of tasks including data collection, storage, retrieval and analysis. These tasks are critical to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of patient records, which are subject to strict regulatory frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States (Smith & Jones, 2020).

 

Given the proprietary nature of private healthcare organizations, the impact of poor HIM practices can be significant, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage (Thompson et al., 2022). A thorough assessment of health information management (HIM) processes is required to identify flaws and implement necessary adjustments. Research highlights key areas for assessment including use of technology, staff training, and compliance with regulatory standards (White et al., 2023).

 

Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, offer the ability to enhance data management and streamline workflows (Johnson & Patel, 2022). However, without proper training and resources, these technologies may not achieve their full potential, resulting in inefficient HIM practices (Clark, 2023).

 

This highlights that any review of HIM must consider both technical advances and the human capabilities required to effectively implement a forward-looking approach to HIM (Garcia et al., 2021). Private healthcare firms can align their HIM strategy with their overall objectives by assessing current approaches and implementing best practices. This emphasizes the significance of constantly analyzing and updating HIM methods to meet changing needs and technology improvements.

 

1.2   Statement of the Problem

The assessment of health information management (HIM) practices in private healthcare institutions reveals significant deficiencies that can adversely affect patient care and organizational efficiency. Many private facilities struggle with integrating advanced technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs), due to a lack of standardized protocols and inadequate staff training (Johnson & Patel, 2022). This fragmentation leads to inconsistent data management practices, increased risks of data breaches, and ultimately hampers the delivery of high-quality patient care. Moreover, the absence of comprehensive assessments can obscure these challenges, perpetuating inefficiencies and compliance issues within the organization.

Additionally, regulatory pressures, such as those imposed by HIPAA, necessitate a robust HIM framework to safeguard patient information and ensure compliance (Smith & Jones, 2020). However, many private healthcare institutions lack the resources and expertise to effectively evaluate and enhance their HIM practices. This gap not only threatens patient confidentiality but also undermines the institution's reputation and financial viability. Without a thorough assessment of current practices, private healthcare facilities may miss opportunities to improve their HIM processes, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes and increased operational costs.Top of Form

Bottom of Form

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine Assessment of Health Information Management Practices in Private Healthcare Institutions. Specific objectives of the study are:

  1. To Assess the Current State of Health Information Management (HIM) Practices in Private Healthcare Institutions
  2. To Identify Gaps and Challenges in HIM Practices
  3. To Explore Best Practices and Recommendations for Improvement

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

  1. What is the level of awareness and understanding of HIM principles and standards among healthcare professionals in private institutions?
  2. What are the primary gaps and challenges in HIM practices that hinder the efficient and effective management of patient health information in private healthcare institutions?
  3. What are the best practices and strategies for improving HIM practices in private healthcare institutions, particularly in terms of data quality, accessibility, and security?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of health information management practices between private healthcare institutions that have implemented advanced health information systems and those that have not.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the HIM sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to First Line Hospital, Uyo. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

1.10 Definition of Terms

1.  Health Information Management (HIM)

The practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. HIM encompasses the collection, storage, and utilization of patient health records, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with regulations.

2.  Clinical Data Quality

 The degree to which clinical data accurately reflects the patient’s health status, treatment outcomes, and care processes. High-quality clinical data is essential for effective decision-making and healthcare delivery.

3.  Electronic Health Record (EHR)

 A digital version of a patient’s paper chart that contains comprehensive health information, including medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, and test results. EHRs facilitate efficient data sharing among healthcare providers.

4.  Compliance

 Adherence to laws, regulations, and guidelines governing health information management and patient privacy, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Compliance ensures the protection of patient information and reduces legal risks.

5.  Data Governance

 A framework for managing data availability, usability, integrity, and security in healthcare organizations. Effective data governance establishes policies and procedures to oversee data management practices, ensuring accountability and quality.

6.  Interoperability

 The ability of different healthcare information systems and applications to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. Interoperability is crucial for providing coordinated care and improving patient outcomes by enabling data sharing among various healthcare providers.

7.  Health Informatics

 The interdisciplinary field that combines healthcare, information technology, and data analytics to improve health outcomes. Health informatics involves the use of data and technology to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and support clinical decision-making.