A communication model on electronic integration of patients’ health information and records management in tertiary hospitals

Abstract

Background Access to patient medical history information that is maintained by the provider over time, which may include all of the key administrative and clinical data relevant to people's care under a specific provider, such as demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, immunizations, laboratory data, and radiology. Due to manual record keeping, reports may become cumbersome in retrieving and putting patients in difficult situations before they can access healthcare services, but they have been found to be easier and more reliable when integrated electronically. Aim The aim of the research was to develop a communication model for the electronic integration of hospital patient health information and records management, highlighting the flow of communication between members of the health team contributing to patient care in tertiary hospitals. Methodology A convergent parallel mixed methods approach was used to guide the study. 61 Health Information Management Professionals were used for the quantitative study using the questionnaire. 20 selected healthcare professionals across various disciplines who were managing patients with electronic health records were involved in the qualitative study, where they were asked to provide answers to online interview guide questions. Analysis of the quantitative data was done using frequency tables, percentages, one sample statistics test, a t-test and other statistical tests, while content analysis using the four stages was employed to analyse qualitative data Findings Results from both quantitative and qualitative methods showed that staff proficiency in computer/software skills was rated highest for MS Word while the lowest was for MS Access. There was also significant proof that environmental support exists for the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) in hospitals. EHRs offer numerous benefits that manual methods do not, such as a reduction in patients’ waiting time, easy accessibility, faster ward rounds, enhanced confidentiality and a reduction in staff workload, to mention a few. Barriers to successful implementation and integration were also highlighted, including staff shortages, large numbers of patients, and a lack of information and communication technology navigation skills among workers. Poor staff attitudes towards EHR, a lack of necessary training, and inadequate funding had moreover been found to be the barriers to the electronic integration of patients’ health information and records management.