Comparative Assessment of Hea Lth Records Management Practices Across Primary Health Care of Ife Central, East and North Local Government Area

ABSTRACT This study examines health records management practices in primary healthcare settings across Ife Central, East, and North Local Government Areas of Ile Ife, Nigeria. The objectives of these study are to assess the current health records management practices in primary healthcare systems, to assess the level of compliance with the established standards and regulations in each Primary Health Care System, to identify the key challenges faced in the health records management in the primary healthcare settings and to proffer possible solutions to the identified challenge across Ife Central, East, and North Local Government Areas of Ile Ife, Nigeria. Data collection employed a self-administered questionnaire, 58 questionnaire were distributed and 56 were retrieved from healthcare managers Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 58 Health Information Managers via a validated questionnaire. Statistical analyses using SPSS version 20 including frequency tables, percentages, and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) to determine relationships between variables, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. According to the survey results, 41% of respondents agreed that increasing investment in resources, such as staffing and technology, is necessary for effective health records management. Additionally, 41% of respondents agreed that regular training and education sessions for staff are crucial to maintain data integrity and improve the quality of care. Regarding patient privacy, a majority of respondents (64.8%) agreed or strongly agreed with the need for stricter protocols for access to health records. Furthermore, 41% of respondents agreed that upgrading technology systems would help reduce errors and enhance health records management. The study also explored the importance of retaining experienced health records management personnel, with 64.8% of respondents agreeing that offering incentives is a crucial strategy. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the health records management practices among the three local government areas. Ife North and Ife East showed a stronger correlation in their practices (0.858) compared to their correlations with Ife Central, suggesting more similar approaches in the former two areas. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as investments in resources, training, technology, and staffing, to improve health records management across the region. The findings concluded that effective health records management is vital for continuity of care, patient confidentiality, and efficient healthcare delivery in Ife Central, East, and North LGAs. Despite challenges like inadequate resources and data security concern. Based on the findings the following recommendations were proposed: Enhance Resource Allocation, Implement Robust Training Programs, Upgrade Technological Systems, and Implement Stricter Access Protocols.