Health information technology skill gaps and training needs of Health Information Management professionals in Nigeria: A review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The healthcare industry is increasingly influenced by the use of information technology in various forms. There is however a lack of effective health information management (HIM) systems due to the prevalence of cumbersome paper-based and disjointed health data management systems and most importantly, due to inadequate Health IT knowledge and skills among HIM professionals in Nigeria. Design/Methods: This scoping review sought to determine knowledge and skill gaps in information technology vis-à-vis IT training needs among HIM professionals. Results: Noteworthy to say is that these professionals are passionately seeking for advanced Health IT training. Conclusion: There is need for general and specific training in information technology for practicing HIM professionals and there is a need to review the curricular in order to accommodate general and specific training needs of future HIM professionals. These includes IT awareness and appreciation, data analytic and software exposition among others. In addition, the compulsory continuing professional development education anchored jointly by the professional body (AHRIMPN) and the regulatory agency of federal government (HRORBN) should be sustained.