Awareness and attitudes of Health Information Management professionals toward confidentiality of patients’ health records in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the awareness and attitudes of Health Information Management (HIM) professionals towards confidentiality of patients’ health records in Bayelsa State. Design/Methods: A descriptive survey research design was adopted and a total enumeration procedure of 149 HIM professionals in the hospitals. Data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23. Results From the findings, it was observed that participants responded positively (Yes) that attitude of HIM professionals towards confidentiality enhance cordial relationship between the patients and the professionals. It was also revealed that the majority of participants were not sure if HIM professionals attitude towards confidentiality of patient records preserve individual dignity and information misuse. They rated HIM professionals’ attitude towards confidentiality as moderate, where they were in agreement (Yes) that it is important to keep patient records confidential. Finally, participants were in disagreement (No) that confidentiality of patient records is the watchword of HIM professionals. It was concluded that attitude of HIM professionals towards confidentiality is moderately good. In addition, HIM professionals understood the subject of confidentiality of patients’ health records. Factors such as lack of proper orientation, lack of monitoring and evaluation and lack of policy and guideline among others affect attitude of HIM professionals towards confidentiality of patients’ health records. Conclusion: It was concluded that, though, there are some key factors that affect awareness and attitudes of HIM professionals towards confidentiality of patients’ health records, their level of awareness and attitude are moderately good. Based on the findings, it was recommended that patients should be enlightened and given orientation on the importance of HIM service delivery. Others are proper orientation and continuous education of HIM professionals towards confidentiality of patient health records and need for published policy and guidelines on confidentiality of patients’ health records.