CHALLENGES FACED BY HEALTH RECORDS PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS MIGRATING FROM PAPER-BASED RECORDS TO ELECTRONIC-BASED RECORDS KEEPING: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL (UITH)

This study investigates the challenges faced by health records professionals during the transition from paper-based records to electronic-based records at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). With the increasing demand for efficient health care delivery and the growing adoption of information technology in health services, this migration is both inevitable and essential. The research explores technical, infrastructural, human resource, and organizational barriers encountered during this migration process. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to health records professionals within UITH. The findings reveal that while electronic records offer significant benefits—such as improved data accessibility, storage efficiency, and patient safety—several challenges impede the transition. These include inadequate IT infrastructure, resistance to change, lack of technical training, high cost of implementation, and concerns about data security. The study recommends increased investment in IT infrastructure, comprehensive staff training programs, effective change management strategies, and the development of robust data security frameworks. The study concludes that while the path to electronic-based record keeping is fraught with challenges, proactive strategies and stakeholder engagement can facilitate a successful transition.