Information management practices at Mankweng Public Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Over the years, information management (IM) has become a key anchor in the successful delivery of healthcare services, facilitating access and provision of information to those providing services at the point of care, as well as informing strategic decision-making and prompting key reforms in hospitals. The aim of the study was to examine information management practices at Mankweng Public Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was guided by the process model of information management. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology through a descriptive case study research using semi-structured interviews as a method of data collection. The key findings showed that information officers recognise and are aware of the users’ information needs. The perceptions of the information officers included lack of a larger office space to allow for a coordinated information storage, as well as poor data provided by source points which was believed to be a constant burden hampering the efficiency of the information management section. Tools used by information officers to manage information included physical wards and clinics registers, and daily and monthly input forms which are unique to the ward speciality. Factors that were uncovered to affect the application of information management in this study were limited budget, shortage of staff and equipment, lack of staff training and poor data from source points. Information management strategies that can be implemented to remedy the malady included recruitment of information officers, procurement of equipment, staff training, acquisition of electronic health records and the installation of Wi-Fi. This study recommends that, in light of the fact that many of the problems faced by the information management section stem from financial constraints, adequate budget must be allocated to facilitate the recruitment of information officers, the procurement of the necessary hardware and software, particularly computers, a multifunctional printer and electronic health records. Staff training programmes should be initiated for both information officers and source points, as well as the provision of a larger office space.