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Abstract
Background: In the developing world, information technology is still at its infancy. Developing countries only recently realised that Information Technology through Computer application could significantly enhance quality patient care. The dearth of health information managers, cost of health care and harsh economic realities are some of the problems militating against effective health information management. Today, potentials for application of communication technologies in medicine are indeed high. There is need for improved patient care and satisfaction through adequate information dissemination. The need for an interactive medium between health care providers and improved retention of information amongst others, are what make Computer-based health information imperative. Finding: A study of computerisation in 43 hospitals in Nigeria, amongst which are government, private and company - owned hospitals, has shown that information management is very much lacking. 16 of the hospitals still practise without a functional medical record department. 90% of the hospitals are private-owned. Total Medical Record personnel in the 43 hospitals were 222, with Teaching Hospitals having the highest average of 14 Medical Record Personnel (MRP) per hospital. Of the 20 hospitals that have embraced computerization, only 7 have necessary software. Few hospitals were notice to have explored E-mail and Internet facilities to boost their services.
Conclusion: Most hospitals in the developing world are still far behind in health information development. The need for a strong database for effective patient care cannot be over-emphasized if patient - health care providers relationship must be enhanced. This can be achieved through Computer applications to health care delivery. The worsening harsh economic situations, non-availability of necessary technology and manpower requirement are some of the impediments to effective health care management in developing countries. Government has a significant role to play in creating awareness on the benefits of Computer application to health Information management in the developing countries. Such awareness program should include seminars and workshops and other methods that would create better appreciation of computer based health information amongst various health care providers.
Conclusion: Most hospitals in the developing world are still far behind in health information development. The need for a strong database for effective patient care cannot be over-emphasized if patient - health care providers relationship must be enhanced. This can be achieved through Computer applications to health care delivery. The worsening harsh economic situations, non-availability of necessary technology and manpower requirement are some of the impediments to effective health care management in developing countries. Government has a significant role to play in creating awareness on the benefits of Computer application to health Information management in the developing countries. Such awareness program should include seminars and workshops and other methods that would create better appreciation of computer based health information amongst various health care providers.