Perception of Health Information Management Professionals on the Importance of Computer System in Health Information Management in Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, ILE- IFE, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Healthcare system in this contemporary time is moving towards digitalization with respect to management of patients’ health information, this is however pertinent to achieve improved healthcare quality, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in hospital settings. The process therefore requires migrating from paper records to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) particularly in Africa where it has been a lingering challenge. However, adopting technology in the management of patient records will provide more accurate and details patient’s profile. This study therefore investigated perceptions of health Information Management Professionals on the importance of computer system in health information management in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital ,Ile-Ife, Osun- State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted and thirty (30) Health Information Management Professionals were randomly selected from Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital. The result revealed that majority of Health Information Management Professionals agree that computer science is of high importance in Health Information Management as it was seen as critically important for effective clinical documentation and patients’ management care. It was recommended among others that governments at all level should provide adequate and updated facilities for hospitals to enhance effective Electronic Health Records (EHRs) with required training for Health Information Management Professionals.