Academic Research Journal on Health Information Management

Vol. 6(1), pp. 1-17, February 2025

ISSN: 2734-2190

https://doi.org/10.14662/arjhim2025010

 

Full Length Research

 

 

SWOT Analysis of Health Information Management Practice in Nigeria

 

1Omokanye S.A, 2Wegbom A.I., 3Adio R. and 4Adebayo C.O

 

1 School of Health Information Management, OAUTHC Ile-Ife, Nigeria 2 Department Public Health Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt Nigeria 3 Department of Health Information Management, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria 4 School of Health Information Management UITH, Ilorin,Nigeria  

Corresponding author's E-mail: omokanyeakin@gmail.com  

Accepted 28 January 2025

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction and Objectives: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis of existing health information management practices in Nigeria, focusing on both paper-based and electronic health records (EHRs) systems. The objectives were to assess the strengths and weaknesses of paper-based health records, explore the opportunities and threats of EHRs, and identify areas for improvement in health records management practices in Nigeria. Methods: A survey research design was employed, and data were collected from healthcare professionals, healthcare administrators, health IT professionals, and healthcare researchers/academicians using an online Google Form questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically regression analysis, were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that paper-based health records practice in Nigeria has both strengths and weaknesses. The strengths include portability, ease of use, and stability, while the weaknesses include poor filing, illegible handwriting, and inconvenience in accessing records. On the other hand, EHRs were perceived to offer opportunities for improved quality patient care, enhanced data security, and better interoperability, but also posed threats such as system failure, inadequate budgetary allocation, and insufficient training. The regression analysis revealed that the weakness of paper-based health records practice has a significant effect on its strength, and the threats of EHRs have a significant effect on the opportunities of EHRs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study found that health information management practices in Nigeria exhibit a certain degree of accuracy, despite the limitations of paper-based health records. However, EHRs demonstrate even higher levels of precision and accuracy compared to paper-based records, despite the potential challenges associated with their implementation. The study recommends that Nigeria consider adopting EHRs to enhance and improve the management of health records in the country. Recommendations: Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations are proposed, including prioritizing adequate financial resources for EHRs adoption, establishing robust backup mechanisms, developing clear guidelines and policies for EHRs implementation, providing comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, and prioritizing robust security measures to protect EHRs from potential breaches and unauthorized access.

 

Keywords: SWOT analysis, health information management practices in Nigeria, focusing on both paper-based and electronic health records (EHRs) systems.

Paper type: research