CHALLENGES AND PROSPECT OF CLINICAL CODING AND INDEXING ON QUALITY HEALTH CARE DELIVERY AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN

This research explores the prospects and challenges of clinical coding and indexing in improving healthcare delivery at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The study aimed to assess the proficiency of Health Information Management (HIM) professionals, evaluate the impact of clinical coding on healthcare quality, identify challenges faced by coders and indexers, and recommend measures to enhance coding practices. A total enumeration method was used, with all 83 HIM professionals at UCH participating, ensuring a 100% response rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents reported proficiency in clinical coding. Notably, 65.1% strongly agreed and 34.9% agreed that they could categorize patient episodes and procedures accurately. Similarly, 67.5% strongly agreed and 32.5% agreed that proper coding ensures accurate medical record documentation. Additionally, 57.8% strongly agreed and 36.1% agreed that clinical coding improves the efficiency of patient care services. Challenges identified included inadequate training and expertise, with 39.8% strongly agreeing and 54.2% agreeing. High workloads, poor handwriting from clinicians, and limited technological infrastructure were also highlighted as significant challenges. The study's results suggest that these challenges hinder the effectiveness of coding and indexing, ultimately affecting the quality of healthcare delivery at UCH. The research concludes by recommending key interventions: implementing an automated coding system, enhancing the coding environment, offering educational initiatives to improve documentation, providing comprehensive clinical coding tools and conducting regular audits to improve coding practices. These measures will help enhance coding accuracy and, ultimately, healthcare service quality at UCH.