Digital preservation of health records in tertiary hospitals: implications for health information management in Nigeria

Abstract

Digital preservation of health records is very essential in every facet of the health institution. This is especially at the tertiary hospitals as it allows for easy access and easy retrieval of patients’ health records and for future references when required. Health information management (HIM) professionals are trained to create and preserve patients’ health records in different format because of the sensitive nature of those records. Tertiary hospitals are known for the specialized service provided and they formthe zenith of healthcare delivery. Health records are generated daily at tertiary hospitals in Nigeria inlarge amount as such occupies large storage space that can be cumbersome to retrieve by HIM professionals either for continuity of patient care and for secondary purposes. Reported cases of missingor misplaced health records have been attributed to inadequate storage space and preponderance ofpaper-based health records systems resulting in inefficient records management and ineffective healthcare service delivery. The preponderance of paper-based health records poses a great threat on theperformance of the physician and other healthcare providers therefore; health records generated at thislevel require close monitoring and preservation. One of the ways to curb the prevailing paper-based isthrough digital preservation which is the process of converting existing health records from its conventional form into digital form to ensure the document retains its original form. It can also beachieved through the adoption of electronic medical records and provision of IT equipment. Digitalpreservation could be achieved in tertiary hospitals through strong hospital management support. Thiswill ensure availability of appropriate IT infrastructure and adequate training of HIM professionals inretaining inactive and active health records into electronic form for easy access. It will also save physical storage space and time required to access patients’ health records for continuity of care, which may relatively transform the healthcare industry in Nigeria.Keywords: Digital preservation; Electronic medical record; Health records; Preservation, Tertiary Hospitals; Nigeria