CONTRIBUTION OF ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS MANAGEMENT IN EFFICIENT PATIENT HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (A CASE STUDY OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL COLLEGE, ILE-IFE)

The implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems has increasingly transformed the landscape of health information management in hospitals across the globe. This study investigates the role and contribution of EHR systems in enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of patient health data at the Obafemi Awolowo University Hospital College, Ile-Ife. With the growing need for a seamless healthcare delivery process, the study examines how EHR systems streamline administrative processes, reduce redundancies, and support clinical decision-making. This research adopts a case study approach, utilizing both qualitative interviews and quantitative data from hospital records and staff feedback. It explores the degree of adoption of EHRs at the institution, the challenges faced during its implementation, and the extent to which it has improved the management and retrieval of patient records. Data analysis reveals that while initial adoption met with infrastructural and technical challenges, the current state shows significant progress in efficiency and accuracy in record-keeping. The study concludes that EHR systems are vital to achieving effective patient health information management. It recommends sustained investment in infrastructure, continuous training of staff, and policy backing to further integrate digital health solutions. The findings offer critical insights for health policymakers, administrators, and IT professionals striving to modernize healthcare information systems in Nigeria and beyond.