INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH RECORDS & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (IJHRIM)
The International Journal of Health Records & Information Management (IJHRIM) is a joint peer-reviewed publication of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) and the Health Records Officers’ Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN). This scholarly journal serves as a leading platform for disseminating high-quality research, innovative practices, and policy analyses in the fields of health records, information management, health informatics, and allied disciplines. IJHRIM is dedicated to advancing knowledge, professionalism, and ethical standards in health records and information management both within Nigeria and globally. By fostering academic discourse and practical insights, the journal aims to strengthen the foundations of health systems through accurate, accessible, and secure health information practices.
Evolving a scholarly journal for health records in Nigeria: issues and prospects
Research is the systematic and rigorous process of inquiry, which aims to describe phenomenon and to develop and test explanatory concepts and theories. Health records professionals have obligations to manage patients’ health records used in patients’ care management, health services research and others. In addition to their management of health records, they participate in the conduct of researches by bringing in their skills, expertise, and knowledge of the importance and limitations of data quality. This is necessary to improve the validity and reliability of the evidence produced to improve public health. However, unlike their colleagues in developed nations, Nigerian health records professionals have not optimally explore the opportunities inherent in research. This study sought to relate challenges encountered during editorial functions that saw to the emergence of maiden edition of the International Journal of Health Records & Information Management (IJHRIM).
An appraisal of health records and information management standards and influencing factors
The healthcare record refers to all information collected, processed and held in both manual and electronic formats pertaining to the patient and patient care. It includes demographics, clinical data, images, unique identification, investigation, samples, correspondences and communications relating to the patient and his/her care1. The patient’s health record serves many functions but their primary purpose is to support patient care1. Every time the patient moves from one place to another, information about his condition is registered2. Critical patient information is often not available when and where needed and this makes the whole process take much longer.
Use of personal health records among healthcare professionals: Nigerian perspective
Personal health record (PHR) is a type of records being managed and owned by individuals with information coming both from health care providers and the individual; maintained in a secure environment and access determined by the individual1. Today, an estimated 70 million people in the US have access to some form of PHR1. Hitherto, PHRs was a paper collection of health information kept by the patient2. Some people still keep their health records in print especially in the developing nations2, where general management of patients’’ health records is still paper-based3-5. However, with the advent of electronic health records and access to medical information online, there has been an increasing demand from patients to access their health information electronically2.
Michael Babatunde Adeojo, Tajudeen Temitayo Adebayo, E Otuza
Challenges faced by clinical coders with Physicians` documentation
Clinical coding is the process by which clinical information about the patients are transferred into codes to enable grouping of medical activities in a limited number of categories that are easy to process, store and analyzed. The essential element in making a correct clinical coding is the allocation of each diagnosis or procedure in the group category to which it belongs, underpinning the general concept for the quality in clinical coding.
A critical insight into electronic health records
Background/Objective: Health record is the business record of the healthcare system, documented in the normal course of its activities and used for clinical, research, administrative, and reimbursement purposes. In Nigeria, patient’s health records are mostly paper-based and are managed manually. The manual process is of course bedeviled with various challenges such as illegible handwriting, missing and misplacement of records. This conventional paper-based method has however been instrumental to the delays to diagnosis and treatment, thereby making electronic health records (EHRs) mechanism as a necessary alternative. EHRs are means to create legible and organized recordings and to access clinical information about individual patient. This paper therefore set out to discuss the concept of EHR, the potential benefits of EHR, its implementation and the major ethical issues associated with EHR. Methods/Design: This is a non-empirical review of literature. Result: Findings from this study reveal that easy access to clinical data, ability to establish and maintain effective clinical workflows, fewer medical errors, improved patient safety and stronger support for clinical decision-making among others are enormous benefits of electronic health records. Conclusion: The paper therefore recommends the adoption of electronic health records system in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.
Data Integrity; Data Protection; Electronic Health Records; Ethical Concerns; Information Security
Physicians’ clinical documentation and patient’s healthcare management: The need for pragmatic approach
Background/Objective Clinical documentation is an important legal and professional requirement for health professionals and goes a long way to determine the value of care a patient receives. Methods/Design: This study reviewed and discussed issues relating to physicians’ clinical documentation and reported on opinion assessment of physicians with regards to clinical documentation. Result: It was found that clinical documentation serves as a basis for organizing the patients care plan and for continuity of care. Physicians, as well as other healthcare providers acknowledge the importance of effective clinical documentation. However, inadequacies persist in existing clinical documentation practice especially in paper-based systems. Conclusion: The study recommends that hospitals need to develop written policies and guidelines on clinical documentation for physicians. In addition, there should be regular clinical documentation training programme for physicians and other care givers in order to reduce errors during documentation.
Clinical Documentation; Physicians; Patient Care Management; Attitude; Health Records; Nigeria
Information seeking behaviour of rural women on National Health Insurance Scheme in Ido-Osi Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Background/Objective: Information seeking behaviour is considered as a human behaviour to look for information in a purposeful way to fill the gap. Information needs of rural women in the top rank are occupational related, child care and family relationship Most information needs are health-related, such as information regarding certain diseases, how they are contacted, and treated. This study sought to identify the information seeking behaviour of rural women particularly, in relation to National Health Insurance Scheme in Ido-Osi Local Government, Ekiti State. Methods/Design: This is cross-sectional study of rural women in Ido-Osi, who sought care at Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti. Result: Among these women, 114 (82.6%) had not registered with NHIS and 92 (66.7%) never heard about NHIS. One hundred and two (73.9) opined that the scheme provides free healthcare services to the populace, 99 (71.8%) joined due to specific health problem and 91 (66.0%) others joined because others joined and 84 (60.8%) would not spend their money to seek information about NHIS and their health needs. Conclusion: Most rural women in Ido-Osi in Ekiti Local Government lack the awareness and the right information about National Health Insurance Scheme. This has aggravated their apathy to seek information about NHIS and their healthcare needs. Therefore, health education and advocacy about National Health Insurance Scheme and healthcare in general should be made available to these women. Other social amenities that will take the world closer to the rural women is also advocated.
Information Seeking; Health Services Delivery; Health Challenges; Health Information Seeking; Rural Women; Nigeria
Yacob Haliso, Oluseye Abiodun Ogundele, A Adeniyi, KO Ogunbote, AD Fayigbe
Opinions of healthcare professionals at Federal Medical Centre Bida on barriers to successful implementation of electronic health record (EHRs) in Nigeria
Background/Objective: Electronic health records (EHRs) have been available for decades, and yet hospitals, doctors, and other caregivers have been slow to adopt them especially in developing countries. The most common reported barriers to EHRs implementation include; cost of implementation and maintenance, inadequate computer skills, low computer literacy, issue of wireless connectivity, time involvement, knowledge and perception about EHRs and organizational preferences. Methods/Design: This is a cross-sectional study on the opinions of healthcare professionals on various perceived barriers to successful implementation of EHRs in Nigeria. Result: From the findings, the majority with Mean values of 3.95, 3.75, 3.65 and 3.53 respectively agreed that finance, change process and organizational characteristics of individual practices with issues relating to hospital management as well as formal training are the major barriers facing EHRs implementation in Nigeria. Conclusion: Despite the identified perceived barriers to successful implementation of EHRs in Nigeria, there appears to be readiness and eagerness among healthcare providers. Therefore, there is hope for open arm adoption of electronic health records in Nigeria. Political will by the federal government of Nigeria is solicited, the management of various healthcare institutions should also create an enabling environment and healthcare professionals are encouraged to welcome impending changes that will come along with EHRs services.
Electronic Health Records; Systems Implementation; Healthcare Providers; Barriers; Health Information Systems; Nigeria
Sunday Akingbola Omokanye, Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Moses Achinbee, Ife-Oluwa Deborah Adeoti, Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran, Muhammad Wasagi Hassan
Assessment of quality of healthcare data management in antiretroviral records at Federal Medical Centre, Bida in North-central Nigeria
Background/Objective: The quality of data especially in healthcare management is recognized as a relevant performance function to facilitate operating processes and to facilitate quality decision making. The study assessed documentation quality of antiretroviral (ART) patients’ records at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida Niger State, Nigeria. Methods/Design: A retrospective review of patients’ health record was conducted at the antiretroviral (ART) clinic, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida for patients who are active in the clinic between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2017. Out of 1,122 patients who attended the clinic, a total of 286 cases were systematically selected for the review. Result: Demographic information of patient was fairly documented in 248(86.7%) cases; almost all (98.9%) the folders had their personal care card(s) enclosed. Documentation of patient’s demographics on the care cards was also completed in 265 (92.7%) cases. Investigation form and prescriptions for the last six visits were well arranged in all cases 286(100%), documentation of vital signs was optimal in 270 (94.4%) cases while drug intake was well documented in 284 (99.3%) cases. There was serious lapse in clinical documentation of initial care assessment 236(82.5%) on the care card and also the completion of the same form 117(40.9%) among the clinicians; and adherence status of patient to care were also poorly documented 236(82.5%). The majority 251 (87.8%) of the records were not well tagged. Conclusion: Documentation of important clinical information is poor in the charts of patients attending ART clinic, FMC Bida and their folders were not properly fastened. Poor documentation in health records and proper safety of such might impede seamless continuity of care and might negatively affect the quality of care. The study recommends mandatory training and retraining of the staff involved and routine chart review in the adherence unit.
Antiretroviral Care, Health Records, Patient Data, Documentation Quality, Electronic Health Records.
Adebisi AA, Adeleke IT, Abdulghaneey OO, Abdulsalaam A
Perceptions of electronic health record system (EHRs) among nurses at Sir Muhammad Sanusi Specialist Hospital Kano, Nigeria
Background/Objective: Electronic health record system is aimed at improving the delivery of healthcare and ensuring that care given to an individual by various healthcare providers from many different settings in their lifetime is maintained in a single electronic record and readily available. The study determined the perception of nurses toward electronic health record system in a secondary healthcare system in Kano. Methods/Design: The study deployed cross-sectional design using a structured questionnaire. Result: The result shows that participants have positive attitude (63.6%) toward EHRs, but 56% still felt EHRs might not be fully accepted by all healthcare providers and that the switch to EHRs at all levels of healthcare setting is not feasible by year 2020 (80%). In addition, a good number (55%) was of the opinion that full transfer of current paper-based documents is impossible. Conclusion: Kano State healthcare system is enriched with nurses, who are quite abreast of EHRs and health IT and are willing to embrace the technology in their workflow. This may therefore indicate unlikely resistance to the emerging technologies though with some reservations. The study therefore recommends the deployment of electronic health records in the hospital and other health facilities.
Perception, Utilization, Electronic Health Record, Nurses, Secondary Healthcare, Nigeria
Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of health information management students toward anatomy and physiology
Background/Objective: Anatomy and physiology are basic medical science courses taught in most health institutions, but there is growing concerns among tutors that traditional programs of teaching health information management (HIM) students have not provided better outcomes of learning. This study determined knowledge, attitude and perceptions of HIM students at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital toward anatomy and physiology. Methods/Design: This is a cross-sectional study of 280 trainees in HIM. Results: Most participants (85.8%) admitted that anatomy and physiology is relevant to HIM developmental skills, more than half (59.2%) of the students possess high retention of knowledge in anatomy & physiology and nearly three quarter (74.2%) of them complained of inadequate practical demonstrations. A total of one hundred and forty nine (63.9%) criticized that the course is too voluminous and therefore, difficult to understand (61.4%). Overall, the majority admitted that anatomy and physiology is relevant to HIM developmental skills. Conclusion: The study presents a positive attitude of students towards Anatomy and Physiology with quest for intensive practical demonstrations. The learning experience of these students could be improved by availability of adequate practical demonstration materials and better clinical integration of the basic medical sciences, especially in Anatomy & Physiology. Continuing training for the lecturers/tutors of anatomy and physiology and integration of didactic class lectures with clinical instructions are recommended.
Anatomy and Physiology; Didactic Lectures; Health Information Management; Health Records; Knowledge Retention; Practical Demonstrations; Problem-based Learning; Nigeria
Qudrotullah Bolanle Suleiman-Abdul, Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Elijah Olusegun Ajayi, Isiak Amura Sule, Falilat Omar-Amao, Wasiu Adeyemi Adeoye
Research, practice and innovations in health records and information management in Nigeria between 1966 and 2016: a review
Background/Objective: There is growing demand for patients’ health records and healthcare data in the quest to improve quality of care, decrease healthcare cost and medical errors and to facilitate the conduct of meaningful research in healthcare. Interestingly, innovations in ICT such as personal health records, electronic health records, mHealth, consumer health informatics and big data are being deployed to improve the management of health records and information as well as healthcare data. Methods/Design: The investigators searched mostly, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Pubmed to conduct a scoping retrospective review of titles and topics in health information management in relation to Nigerian healthcare system. Result: One hundred and sixteen (87.9%) of the 132 articles retrieved were reviewed. Most (86.2%) of these articles were published between 2006 and 2016 largely in international journals (82.4%), were more of cross-sectional designs (22.5%) and conducted most times, by medical practitioners. Electronic health records and other health IT (37.1%) and retrospective review of patient's health records for care quality (31.0%) were the most discussed titles in health records and information management in Nigeria. Conclusion: Awareness on Health IT and the use of patient’s health records for care quality is on the increase in the Nigerian healthcare systems. This is especially among scholars in healthcare. This gives hope of a better future for healthcare data management in the nation’s healthcare systems. There is therefore needs for improved political support from the Federal Government of Nigeria and renewed commitment among healthcare providers with a view to reengineering healthcare data management and in order to reawaken the moribund confidence in the nation’s healthcare system.
Health Records, Retrospective Review; Health Information Technology; Healthcare Data; Data Quality Assessment; Electronic Health Records; Nigeria
Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Qudrotullah Bolanle Suleiman-Abdul, Sunday Adesubomi Erinle, Benson Macaulay Oweghoro, Mohammed Mami Ibrahim, Okereke Boniface Jerry Nwani, Wada Aliyu, Oluseye Abiodun Ogundele
Electronic migration, quackery denunciation and professional regulations: the roles of health records professionals in rebuilding confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system
As the pioneer Editor-in-Chief of this new journal – the International Journal of Health Records & Information Management (IJHRIM), the first scholarly platform for dissemination of knowledge in health records and information management in Nigeria, I welcome readers and contributors to the world of IJHRIM. Accepting this onerous task in 2015 from the regulatory agency of the Federal Government - Health Records Officers’ Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) and in 2017, from the professional body- Association of Health Records Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRPN), I was quite aware that the task is highly demanding. Nothing could I have done other than beseeching for guidance and supports. Divine intervention, then, support of all stakeholders and contributors, I sincerely sought.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH RECORDS & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (IJHRIM), VOL 1 NO 1, 2018
Below is the list of PhD Theses successfully made by Nigerian HIM professionals.
Effects of ICT on monitoring and evaluation of healthcare delivery systems: A perspective work on Usman Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
As a Health Information Management (HIM) professional observing the transformation within Nigeria’s healthcare environment, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) represents one of the most significant developments in contemporary health systems strengthening. Over the years, HIM professionals in UDUTH have observed how routine oversight, data quality assurance and performance tracking, once entirely dependent on manual processes have evolved through digital tools. These tools support better accuracy, reliability and speed in health information management. Reflecting on this transformation within Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, it becomes clear to the authors that ICT has not merely upgraded tools and processes, it has reshaped how health workers think, respond, plan and deliver care.
Electronic Medical Records; Evidence-based Decision Making; Health Information Managemen; Information and Communication Technology; Monitoring and Evaluation, EvidenJigawa State
Abubakar Hamza, Hassan Sauwa Sani, Ayinde Yahqub Erinola
Information and communication technology skills among Health Information Management practitioners in Jigawa State, Nigeria
Background/Objectives: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in improving healthcare service delivery and health information management. Health Information Management (HIM) practitioners are expected to demonstrate high proficiency in ICT to ensure effective health data processing and dissemination. This study assessed ICT skills among HIM practitioners in Jigawa State, Nigeria, focusing on their level of competence, frequency of ICT use and factors influencing proficiency. Design/Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among HIM practitioners across healthcare institutions in Jigawa State. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 100 practitioners and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (t-tests and one-way ANOVA) were used to summarize and test hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Findings revealed high ICT proficiency among participants in tools such as electronic medical records (EMR), health information systems (HIS) and spreadsheet software. The t-test and ANOVA results showed no significant differences in ICT proficiency by gender, education or years of experience (p > 0.05). This indicates a uniformly distributed ICT skill level among HIM practitioners in the study area. Conclusion: Health Information Management practitioners in Jigawa State exhibit strong ICT competencies. Continuous training, access to digital resources and policy reinforcement are recommended to sustain and enhance these skills.
Electronic Medical Records, Health Information Management, Information and Communication Technology, SPSS, ANOVA, Jigawa State
Danladi Muhammad, Yahaya Ibrahim, Zainab Muhammad Amin
Prevalence of out-of-pocket health expenditure among artisans in Rivers State, Nigeria
Background/Objectives: A significant barrier to accessing healthcare in Nigeria is the requirement for payment at the point of service. Out-of-pocket (OOP) payments, the primary method of healthcare financing, have created substantial challenges in obtaining medical care. This research explored the socio-economic status of artisans in relation to OOP payments and how these factors have impacted their ability to access healthcare services in Rivers State, Nigeria. Design/Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional, household-based design to determine household OOP expenditures on healthcare within the community. Data were collected using structured, closed-ended, interviewer-administered questionnaires distributed to 598 eligible artisans or their representatives, selected through a multistage random sampling technique. The Pearson Chi-square test was applied to analyze the association between OOP payments and other categorical variables, while logistic regression was employed to assess the multivariate relationship of OOP payments. Results: Among the 598 artisans surveyed, nearly all participants (98.2%) paid directly for healthcare services, with only 1.8% utilizing health insurance, particularly through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). On average, households spent 6.22% of their income on healthcare. Lower-income groups spent disproportionately more on healthcare compared to wealthier groups and their expenditures were more likely to be catastrophic. Conclusion: The primary barrier to accessing healthcare was out-of-pocket payments, driven by the lack of social health insurance or other forms of healthcare coverage. Expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme and introducing a Community-Based Social Health Insurance Program is urgently needed to address the needs of those in the informal sector.
Artisans; Expenditure; Out-of-pocket, Prevalence; Nigeria
Imaerele David Israel, Sandra Akunna Abolo, Best C. Nwankwo
Effectiveness of medical records system at Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Nigeria
Background/Objectives: Medical records systems are central to healthcare delivery, providing essential documentation for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, research and legal purposes. In Nigeria, many hospitals operate with traditional paper-based systems, with challenges of inefficiency, inadequate staffing and weak infrastructure, often compromising patient care. This study assessed the effectiveness of the medical records system in Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida in Niger State, Nigeria, to determine strengths, limitations and opportunities for improvement. Design/Methods: the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: The setting for this study was Federal Medical Centre Bida, a tertiary referral hospital in Niger State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to Health Information Management (HIM) professionals, clinicians and patients. Variables assessed included accessibility of records, confidentiality, infrastructure, staff adequacy and waiting times. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts. Results The study found that medical records system the FMC Bida was partially effective. Strengths included good compliance with confidentiality and systematic arrangement of records. Challenges included shortage of trained staff, inadequate infrastructure, poor storage facilities, delays in retrieval and inadequate coverage of electronic medical records (EMR). Long waiting times for patients were frequently reported, undermining service efficiency. Conclusion: Medical records system at FMC Bida is functional, but only partially effective. Improvements in staffing, infrastructure and full migration to EMR are required to enhance service delivery and patient satisfaction. Investment in digitization and continuous staff training is strongly recommended.
Elizabeth Toyin Adeleye, John Adeyinka Adeleye, Jacob Kehinde Opele, Abdullateef Adisa Adebisi, Sikirat Ayoni Salami
Awareness and attitudes of Health Information Management professionals toward confidentiality of patients’ health records in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
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.
Attitude, Awareness, Health Information Management Professionals, Confidentiality, Patients’ Health Records
Ebiteinye Lucky Dogiye, Abdullateef Adisa Adebisi
Assessment of information security in electronic medical records management system at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Nigeria
Background/Objectives: The adoption of electronic medical records (EMR) has transformed healthcare data management, but has raised concerns about information security. This study assessed the level of information security in the EMR system at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo. Design/Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 124 Health Information Management (HIM) professionals and 10 patients. Results Results revealed strong awareness of EMR and high confidence in data security among staff and patients, but challenges such as inadequate funding, poor record management policies and limited storage facilities persist. Conclusion: The study concludes that while awareness and usage of EMR are high, systemic issues must be addressed to ensure sustainable data security. Recommendations include improved policy implementation, staff training and investment in infrastructure.
Data protection; Electronic medical records; Information security; Health information management; Nigeria
Knowledge of Social Health Insurance programs among artisans in Rivers State, Nigeria
Background/Objectives: The Social Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS), administered under Nigeria's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is designed to distribute the financial risk of healthcare costs across a large group of individuals. By pooling these risks, SHIS allows for the payment of a premium based on the average cost of healthcare for the group, thereby making healthcare services more affordable. This mechanism is particularly relevant for artisans and others in the informal sector, who often face significant barriers to accessing affordable healthcare. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge about SHIS among artisans in Rivers State, Nigeria. The findings are intended to identify strategies that can expand health insurance services to this group, thereby enhancing their access to affordable healthcare. Design/Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional study design involving 598 artisans selected through a systematic random sampling technique. The target population included skilled workers such as bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, hairstylists and tailors. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. Statistical methods, including Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to assess associations between variables, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The study found that the majority of artisans were self-employed, with most having attained secondary education. Income levels were predominantly in the lower to middle brackets, with a significant proportion of artisans categorized as "poor" or "middle class" in terms of wealth. Knowledge about SHIS was generally low, as indicated by mean scores on knowledge-related statements ranging from 1.75 to 2.55 on a 4-point Likert scale. This suggests a widespread lack of awareness or uncertainty about SHIS. Conclusion: The study concludes that knowledge of SHIS among artisans in Rivers State remains significantly low, limiting their ability to benefit from the scheme. Addressing the barriers identified and implementing targeted strategies could enhance enrolment and improve healthcare access for this critical segment of the population.
Artisans; Healthcare systems; Knowledge, Social Health Insurance; Nigeria
Imaerele David Israel, Best C. Nwankwo, Sandra Akunna Abolo, Emilia Adaeze Emaviwe, Salvation CGgood Thompson
Assessing common knowledge in medical terminologies among health information management students in Nigeria
Background/Objectives: The study evaluates the knowledge of medical terminology among Health Information Management (HIM) students in Nigeria, highlighting its importance in healthcare communication and professional efficiency. Design/Methods: Conducted at the 2023 National Association of Health Information Management Students (NAHIMS) conference, the study utilized a 30-question multiple-choice test, assessing 69 students who participated. Results Results showed that 68.1% of participants scored above the average benchmark, with a mean score of 17.3 ± 5.4. However, gaps in understanding foundational medical terms were identified, suggesting that current HIM curricula may not adequately emphasize medical terminology. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for a re-evaluation of educational programs to ensure comprehensive training. Recommendations include reintroducing medical terminology as a core course in HIM programs to improve understanding and professional readiness.
Anatomy and physiology; Health information management; Language of medicine, Medical abbreviations; Medical terminology
Abdullateef Adisa Adebisi, Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Moses Achinbee, Olanrewaju Olohundare Abdlghaneey, Chinyere Gina David-Idiapho, Hamza Sadisu
Influence of top management supports on records management practices in tertiary hospitals in South-Western, Nigeria
Background/Objectives: Records are important sources of information and knowledge and they constitute evidence of a person’s or an organisation’s activity. Records are important for decision making, accountability and reconstruction of past activities. Records Management Practices entail creation, maintenance, use, retention and disposition of records and they are essential to guarantee access to volumes of valuable records generated as a result of operational functions in tertiary hospitals. There had been reported cases of poor patients’ health records management practices in tertiary hospitals in South-Western Nigeria.. Design/Methods: This study examined the influence of top management supports on records management practices in tertiary hospitals in South-Western Nigeria..The expose facto design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of 493 licensed Health Information Management professionals (Records Managers) in the sixteen tertiary hospitals in South-Western Nigeria and total enumeration was adopted. The instrument used was a self-developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and Multiple regressions at 0.05 significant level. Results: Findings show high level (and efficient) health records management practices and a relatively though inadequate influence of top management supports on health records management practices.. Conclusion: Top management supports should be considered as fundamental in the establishment and running of records management practices in tertiary hospitals in South-Western Nigeria.
Records management practices, Decision making, Patient care, Tertiary hospital
Elizabeth Tunrayo Oluwole, Abiola A. Abioye, Benson Macaulay Oweghoro
Assessing data integrity and security in healthcare information management practice
Background/Objectives: Data integrity and data security underpin safe, reliable and effective healthcare delivery. In low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings such as Nigeria, rapid digitalization of health records has created opportunities for improved care, but has also introduced new risks to data accuracy and confidentiality. This review sought to synthesize evidence on the importance, common threats and practical strategies to ensure data integrity and security within Health Information Management (HIM) practice in Nigeria and similar settings. Design/Methods: Descriptive analytical review and expert-practice synthesis. The manuscript consolidates material from the uploaded presentation and augments it with targeted literature on health data governance, cyber security, and electronic health record (EHR) best-practices. Key themes were extracted and organized into problem (threats), mitigation (technical and organizational controls), and governance sections. Results Threats to integrity and security include human error, legacy systems, insecure data migration, weak access controls and targeted cyber-attacks. Interventions that showed consistent value across the literature and practice included formal data governance frameworks, role-based access controls, encryption of data at rest and in transit, routine audit trails, staff training, device management policies, and incident response plans. Conclusion: Strengthening data integrity and security requires combined technical controls, governance and continuous capacity building for HIM professionals. Implementation of context-appropriate policies, together with investment in training and basic cyber hygiene, substantially reduces risk and improves patient safety.
Data integrity; Data security; Electronic health records; Health information management; Patient privacy.
Ebiteinye Lucky Dogiye, Abdullateef Adisa Adebisi, Gbarabe Godwin Biobelemeye
Quality improvement strategies and service effectiveness in healthcare delivery system: The place of health data quality improvement process in Nigeria
Background/Objectives: Quality improvement (QI) remains central to strengthening health systems globally. It provides a structured approach for enhancing clinical processes, workforce performance and system-wide outputs. In Nigeria, health service effectiveness continues to be influenced by system fragmentation, limited resources and inconsistent adherence to evidence-based practices. Design/Methods: This review sought to map existing evidence on how quality improvement strategies influenced service effectiveness in the Nigerian healthcare system, with a specific focus on health data quality improvement processes. Databases searched include Google Scholar, Pubmed, NJOL, AJOL and ResearchGate for relevant studies with no language restrictions. Works included are empirical studies, programme evaluations, policy documents and grey literature focusing on QI, healthcare quality, health services effectiveness or health data quality improvement in Nigeria. Results A cornerstone of any QI effort is the availability of accurate, accessible, comprehensive, timely and consistent health data. Health data quality forms the foundation for planning, monitoring, evaluation and performance management. It is however discernible that the Nigeria’s health data management systems face recurring challenges, including delayed reporting, incomplete documentation and variable EMR adoption. Conclusion: The continuous desire for high quality healthcare from health service consumers, combined with the system’s push for effective and efficient resource application, has placed much pressure on healthcare professionals, stakeholders and organizations. Devising all humanly possible means, health data quality improvement processes should be upheld.
Health data quality; Health information management; Healthcare system; Quality improvement, Total quality management
Qudrotullah Bolanle Suleiman-Abdul, Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke, Segun Michael Omole, Lateef Mosebolatan Ogundiran, Ismaeel Ayodele Ishaq, Usman Isah
Health data is becoming the most valuable asset in the Nigerian healthcare system
Health data refers to the recorded information that describes the health status, medical history, clinical care and determinants of health of individuals and the population as documented in the patients’ health records by authorized healthcare providers. It includes demographic details, diagnostic results, treatment histories, laboratory findings, medication records and health outcomes generated during the provision of care. The data are also essential elements in clinical governance, performance monitoring, optimization of patient care and a principal mode of communication between care providers.
Ibrahim Taiwo Adeleke & Qudrotullah Bolanle Suleiman-Abdul
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH RECORDS & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (IJHRIM), VOL 8 NO 1, 2025
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH RECORDS & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (IJHRIM), Vol. 1 No. 1 (2019)
The significance of effective physician-patient communication to positive treatment outcomes
Communication is globally agreed to promote good interpersonal relationships. In the business world, good interpersonal relationship between the boss and his subordinates promotes productivity and company’s efficiency. In the ‘Pygmalion Theory’, it is confirmed that communication promotes subordinates performances1. Generally, successful relationships in all human endeavors can be enhanced by communication2. Studies have shown that there are strong relationships between physicianspatient communication and the outcome of care. This is because doctor-patient communication does not only work on the psychological stability of the patient necessary for better treatment outcome; it also helps to reduce treatment errors from both parties3.