THE CHALLENGES OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEALTH INFORMATION OFFICERS AND PATIENTS (A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF UYO TEACHING HOSPITAL)

Abstract

This study was on the Challenges of Effective Communication Between Health Information Officers and Patients. Four objectives were raised which included; To find out if there is effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, to investigate the impacts of effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and to identify the factors militating against effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

The delivery of effective clinical practice requires an effective transmission of critical information between health care delivery officers and the patients which must be accurate at all times. Therefore, team collaboration is essential to ensure. That health care professionals are communicating effectively. Inadvertently the patient safety is at risk if there is lack of critical information, misinterpretation of information, unclear orders over the telephone, and overlooked changes in status. Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. It is a two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange information, news, ideas and feelings but also create and share meaning. In general, communication is a means of connecting people or places.

Health care delivery system is the process of meeting the health care needs of people, institutions, and resources and other target populations. There are numerous health care delivery systems globally. However, nations design and develop the health delivery system which is in accordance with their needs and resources. The essential health systems consist of  primary healthcare which is the health system which consist of planning and  distribution of health care needs  among market participants and public health care system which is the effort  of governments, trade unions, charities, religious organizations, or other co-ordinated bodies to deliver planned health care services targeted to the populations they serve. The study seeks to appraise the challenges of effective communication between health information officers and patients. A case study of university Uyo teaching hospital.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The need for adequate and effective communication in the health care delivery between health information officers and patients cannot be overemphasized. Lack of communication can lead grave medical errors which have the potential to cause severe injury or unexpected patient death. Medical errors which have occurred in the past relates more to failure to communicate adequately and effectively in today’s health care organizations. The problem confronting the study is to appraise the challenges of effective communication between health information officers and patients. A case study of university Uyo teaching hospital.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the challenges of effective communication between health information officers and patients. A case study of university uyo teaching hospital; The specific objectives include:

1. To find out if there is effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
2. To investigate the impacts of effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
3. To identify the factors militating against effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

Ho₁: There is no significant factor militating against effective communication between health information officers and patients.

Ho₂: there is no effective communication between health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study proffers an appraisal of the challenges of effective communication between health information officers and patients. A case study of university uyo teaching hospital. It provides relevant data for the effective formulation and implementation of policies to enhance the realization of envisaged objective.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study proffers an appraisal of the challenges of effective communication between health information officers and patients. A case study of university uyo teaching hospital.

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

COMMUNICATION DEFINED

Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. It is a two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange information, news, ideas and feelings but also create and share meaning. In general, communication is a means of connecting people or places.

HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM DEFINED

World Health Organization defines health systems as a system consisting of all organizations, people and actions directed at promoting, restoring or maintaining health. This includes efforts which influence health determinants and health-improving activities. A health system encompasses publicly owned facilities which delivers personal health services, health insurance organizations, a mothers care for a sick child at home; vector-control campaigns, efforts of private health care providers.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS DEFINED

Healthcare providers consist of those institutions or individuals which provides healthcare services.

EDUCATION DEFINED

Education is viewed as the process of inviting truth and possibility. It is the wise, hopeful and respectful cultivation of learning undertaken in the belief that all should have the chance to share in life

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