Constraints and Limitations of Proper Management of Health Records: A Case Study of General Hospital Etinan
Keywords:
Health records, Constraints and limitations, Proper management, Patient care, Inadequate infrastructure, Electronic health recordAbstract
Proper management of health records is essential for ensuring quality patient care, efficient healthcare delivery, and compliance with regulatory requirements. However, many healthcare facilities, including Etinan General Hospital, face constraints and limitations in effectively managing health records. This study explored the challenges and barriers to proper management of health records in Etinan General Hospital, whose staff strength is about 220. A physical survey of about 100 participating staff was also conducted using a questionnaire to gather information and analysed using simple percentages and chi-square statistical techniques. The findings from this study indicated several constraints and limitations in the proper management of health records in Etinan General Hospital. These included inadequate infrastructure and resources, lack of trained staff, poor record-keeping practices, and limited access to technology. Inadequate infrastructure, such as outdated record-keeping systems and limited storage space, hinders the efficient management of health records. The lack of trained staff in Health Information Management (HIM) leads to errors in record-keeping and data entry, compromising the quality and accuracy of health records. Poor record-keeping practices, such as incomplete or illegible documentation, further exacerbate the challenges in managing health records. Additionally, limited access to technology, such as electronic health record systems, restricts the hospital's ability to digitise and streamline health record management processes. Various factors, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained staff, poor record-keeping practices, and limited access to technology, constrain the proper management of health records in Etinan General Hospital. Addressing these constraints and limitations is crucial for improving the quality of patient care, enhancing healthcare delivery, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Further research is needed to explore potential solutions and interventions to overcome these challenges and enhance Etinan General Hospital's health records management.
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