TELEMEDICINE AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE , OWOFMC, OWO

ABSTRACT The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, with technology playing an increasingly significant role in improving patient care and administrative efficiency. One such technological advancement is telemedicine, which enables healthcare delivery through digital platforms, reducing geographical barriers and enhancing access to healthcare services. This study explores the impact of telemedicine on health information management at the Federal Medical Centre , Owo(FMC), Owo, Osun State, with a particular focus on the attitudes of healthcare professionals toward telemedicine, its benefits, challenges, and its role in improving patient care and data management. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 100 healthcare professionals at FMC Owo through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results showed that healthcare professionals generally have positive attitudes toward telemedicine, recognizing its potential to improve healthcare delivery by enhancing access to healthcare specialists, reducing patient waiting times, and improving the accuracy and timeliness of health data. Despite these advantages, the study identified several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient internet connectivity, concerns about data security, and high implementation costs, which hinder the full integration of telemedicine into the healthcare system. The study also revealed that telemedicine significantly contributes to health information management by improving data accuracy, facilitating the timely exchange of information, and reducing administrative workload. However, the integration of telemedicine with existing Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems remains a challenge, and healthcare professionals expressed concerns about the technical difficulties in synchronizing telemedicine data with traditional health information systems. Moreover, the study found that healthcare professionals are in need of more training and capacity-building initiatives to effectively use telemedicine platforms and manage the associated data. Despite these challenges, telemedicine holds great promise for enhancing healthcare delivery, especially in resource-limited settings. The study suggests that targeted interventions, including upgrading infrastructure, improving internet access, and providing adequate training for healthcare professionals, are essential for maximizing the benefits of telemedicine. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of strengthening data security measures to address concerns about patient confidentiality and the potential risks of cyber threats. In conclusion, while telemedicine has proven to be a valuable tool in health information management and healthcare delivery, its successful implementation depends on addressing infrastructural and technological challenges. Policy support, along with strategic investments in training and infrastructure, will be crucial for the widespread adoption and integration of telemedicine in Nigeria’s healthcare system. This study provides insights into the current state of telemedicine at FMC Owo and offers recommendations for its future growth, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare services and health information management in the region.