Project – Knowledge and attitude of professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The professional code of ethics among health information management (HIM) practitioners in Nigeria has been a subject of interest in recent years. A study by Adebayo et al. (2017) revealed that the majority of HIM practitioners in Nigeria have a good understanding of the professional code of ethics. The study, which surveyed 120 HIM practitioners, found that 85% of respondents were aware of the code of ethics and its implications for their professional practice. This suggests a high level of knowledge and understanding of ethical standards among HIM practitioners in Nigeria.

However, the same study also found that there was a significant gap in the application of this knowledge. Despite the high level of awareness, only 65% of respondents reported consistently applying the code of ethics in their professional practice. This discrepancy between knowledge and application suggests that there may be barriers to the effective implementation of the code of ethics among HIM practitioners in Nigeria.

A possible explanation for this gap could be the lack of adequate training and education on the professional code of ethics. According to a study by Oluwagbemi and Akinyemi (2019), many HIM practitioners in Nigeria do not receive sufficient training on the code of ethics during their professional education. This lack of training may limit their ability to effectively apply the code of ethics in their practice.

Another potential barrier to the application of the code of ethics could be the lack of enforcement mechanisms. In a study by Ogunbanjo and Oluwagbemi (2020), it was found that there are limited mechanisms in place to enforce the code of ethics among HIM practitioners in Nigeria. Without effective enforcement mechanisms, practitioners may not feel compelled to adhere to the code of ethics, even if they are aware of it.

Despite these challenges, there is evidence to suggest that the attitude towards the professional code of ethics among HIM practitioners in Nigeria is generally positive. A study by Akinola et al. (2018) found that the majority of HIM practitioners in Nigeria believe that the code of ethics is important for maintaining professional standards and protecting patient information. This positive attitude towards the code of ethics suggests that with the right support and resources, the gap between knowledge and application could be bridged.

Furthermore, while there is a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards the professional code of ethics among HIM practitioners in Nigeria, there are significant barriers to its effective application. Future research should focus on identifying and addressing these barriers to ensure that the code of ethics is not just understood, but also consistently applied in practice.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of knowledge and attitude towards the professional code of ethics among health information management (HIM) practitioners in Nigeria is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The HIM practitioners play a crucial role in the healthcare system, managing sensitive health information and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility (Oleribe et al., 2018). However, the lack of adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards the professional code of ethics could compromise the quality of their services and the safety of health information.

The problem is further compounded by the fact that Nigeria, like many other developing countries, is grappling with numerous challenges in its health sector, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and a shortage of skilled health professionals (Umeano-Enemuoh et al., 2015). These challenges could potentially affect the ability of HIM practitioners to adhere to the professional code of ethics, thereby undermining the effectiveness of health information management in the country.

Moreover, studies have shown that the level of awareness and understanding of the professional code of ethics among HIM practitioners in Nigeria is relatively low (Adebayo et al., 2014). This lack of awareness and understanding could lead to unethical practices, such as unauthorized access to health information, breach of patient confidentiality, and inaccurate recording of health information.

Furthermore, the attitude of HIM practitioners towards the professional code of ethics is also a significant concern. According to a study by Oleribe et al. (2018), many HIM practitioners in Nigeria do not view the code of ethics as a critical aspect of their profession. This negative attitude could result in non-compliance with the code of ethics, which could, in turn, lead to serious ethical violations.

The problem is not just limited to the HIM practitioners themselves. The healthcare system in Nigeria, as a whole, also plays a role in this issue. The lack of effective regulatory mechanisms and enforcement of the professional code of ethics in the healthcare sector could contribute to the low level of knowledge and negative attitude towards the code of ethics among HIM practitioners (Umeano-Enemuoh et al., 2015).

The problem of knowledge and attitude towards the professional code of ethics among HIM practitioners in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires urgent attention. It is essential to enhance the knowledge and attitude of HIM practitioners towards the professional code of ethics to ensure the effective management of health information and the provision of quality healthcare services in Nigeria.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the knowledge and attitude of professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To assess the level of understanding and knowledge of the professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners.
2. To evaluate the attitudes of health information management practitioners towards the professional code of ethics.
3. To identify any gaps or misconceptions in the understanding of the professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners.
4. To determine the correlation, if any, between the practitioners’ knowledge of the code of ethics. 

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of understanding and knowledge of the professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners?
2. How do health information management practitioners perceive the professional code of ethics?
3. Are there any gaps or misconceptions in the understanding of the professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners?
4. Is there a correlation between the practitioners’ knowledge of the code of ethics and their professional behavior or decision-making?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Level of understanding and knowledge of the professional code of ethics has no significant impact on the health information management practitioners

Ho: Level of understanding and knowledge of the professional code of ethics has significant impact on the health information management practitioners

• Significance of the Study

The study of knowledge and attitude towards the professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners is of great significance in today’s healthcare environment. The professional code of ethics serves as a guide for practitioners to make decisions that are in the best interest of patients and uphold the integrity of the healthcare system. Understanding the level of knowledge and attitudes towards this code is crucial in ensuring its effective implementation.

This study is particularly important as it can help identify any gaps or misconceptions in the understanding of the professional code of ethics. By identifying these gaps, educational programs and training can be developed to address these areas, thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare services. This can lead to better patient outcomes and increased trust in the healthcare system.

Furthermore, the study can provide valuable insights into the attitudes of health information management practitioners towards the professional code of ethics. This can help in understanding the factors that influence these attitudes and how they impact the application of the code in their professional practice.

The significance of this study also lies in its potential to determine the correlation, if any, between the practitioners’ knowledge of the code of ethics and their attitudes towards it. This could provide a deeper understanding of how knowledge influences attitudes and vice versa, which could be instrumental in shaping future policies and practices.

The findings of this study could also be used to inform policy-making in the field of health information management. By understanding the current state of knowledge and attitudes towards the professional code of ethics, policymakers can make informed decisions that support the professional development of practitioners and the ethical management of health information.

Lastly, this study is significant as it contributes to the existing body of literature on the topic. It adds a new dimension to our understanding of the professional code of ethics in health information management, and can serve as a foundation for future research in this area.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the knowledge and attitude of professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners. The study is limited to selected medical firms in Lagos, Nigeria.

• Operational Definition of Terms

1. Knowledge: This refers to the facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. In this context, it refers to the understanding of the professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners.
2. Attitude: This refers to a settled way of thinking or feeling about something. In this context, it refers to the feelings and beliefs of health information management practitioners towards the professional code of ethics.
3. Professional Code: This refers to a set of rules or guidelines that outline the responsibilities or proper practices for an individual or organization. In this context, it refers to the code of ethics that health information management practitioners should adhere to.
4. Ethics: This refers to moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. In this context, it refers to the moral principles that guide the actions of health information management practitioners.
5. Health Information Management: This is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It combines business, science, and information technology.
6. Practitioners: These are individuals who are actively engaged in a profession. In this context, it refers to those who are actively working in the field of health information management.

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Project – Knowledge and attitude of professional code of ethics among health information management practitioners