Patient information management at University Hospital of Libreville, Gabon

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the factors leading to the problems being experienced in patient information management at University Hospital of Libreville. This was based on the fact that there was poor management of patient information that affected the quality of service delivery in the health sector.To reach this objective, the research study used a qualitative approach to conduct the investigation. Interview and observation were used to obtain information from healthcare professionals on the practice of patient information management in their services in order to identify the challenges. Themes were used to analyse findings in order to identify the issues related to patient information management. The identified challenges were categorized as the lack of IT system, lack of storage facilities, and the lack of skilled healthcare professionals. These challenges represent the obstacles to patient information management to the required standard at University Hospital of Libreville. The implementation of appropriate technology systems and storage should enable the hospital to improve patient information management. The key findings are that despite the fact that services at University Hospital of Libreville face numerous difficulties, it would not be impossible to adopt or create a proper system. The research provides feasible recommendations that should address the challenges faced by patient information management within the hospital so that improved services can be provided to citizens.