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Health Information Technology Adoption and Its Impact on Patient Safety in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution: Evidence from Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Health Information Technology
Abstract
Health Information Technology (HIT) has become an essential component of modern healthcare delivery, contributing significantly to patient safety, quality of care, and healthcare efficiency. The adoption of electronic health systems has transformed healthcare practices by facilitating accurate documentation, enhancing communication among healthcare professionals, reducing medical errors, and supporting evidence-based clinical decision-making. Despite these benefits, the extent to which Health Information Technology influences patient safety outcomes in many Nigerian healthcare institutions remains inadequately explored. This study investigated the utilization of Health Information Technology and its influence on patient safety outcomes among healthcare workers at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the level of Health Information Technology utilization, examined its role in promoting patient safety, identified organizational and technological factors influencing its adoption, and evaluated challenges associated with its implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. The study population comprised healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and Health Information Managers working at IMSUTH. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were utilized to determine the relationships between Health Information Technology utilization and patient safety outcomes. The findings revealed that Health Information Technology significantly contributes to patient safety by improving documentation accuracy, reducing medication errors, enhancing access to patient information, and facilitating effective communication among healthcare professionals. The study further identified Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems as key technologies supporting patient safety initiatives. Regular staff training, management support, adequate technological infrastructure, and user involvement were found to be significant determinants of effective Health Information Technology utilization. The study concluded that effective implementation and utilization of Health Information Technology positively influence patient safety outcomes at Imo State University Teaching Hospital.
Keywords
Health Information Technology, Patient Safety, Healthcare Workers, Electronic Medical Records, Clinical Decision Support Systems, IMSUTH, Nigeria.
References
[1] World Health Organization. (2023). Global patient safety action plan 2021–2030. Geneva, Switzerland. World Health Organization
[2] Health Information and Management Systems Society. (2022). Health information technology and patient safety report. Chicago, IL.
[3] Federal Ministry of Health. (2023). National digital health strategic framework. Abuja, Nigeria.
[4] Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2022). Health information technology and patient safety. Rockville, MD. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
[5] International Medical Informatics Association. (2023). Health informatics and patient safety guidelines. Geneva, Switzerland.
How to cite this paper
@article{1723333,
author = {Akintunde N. K.},
title = {Health Information Technology Adoption and Its Impact on Patient Safety in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution: Evidence from Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {2456-2458},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723333.pdf},
abstract = {Health Information Technology (HIT) has become an essential component of modern healthcare delivery, contributing significantly to patient safety, quality of care, and healthcare efficiency. The adoption of electronic health systems has transformed healthcare practices by facilitating accurate documentation, enhancing communication among healthcare professionals, reducing medical errors, and supporting evidence-based clinical decision-making. Despite these benefits, the extent to which Health Information Technology influences patient safety outcomes in many Nigerian healthcare institutions remains inadequately explored. This study investigated the utilization of Health Information Technology and its influence on patient safety outcomes among healthcare workers at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the level of Health Information Technology utilization, examined its role in promoting patient safety, identified organizational and technological factors influencing its adoption, and evaluated challenges associated with its implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. The study population comprised healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and Health Information Managers working at IMSUTH. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were utilized to determine the relationships between Health Information Technology utilization and patient safety outcomes. The findings revealed that Health Information Technology significantly contributes to patient safety by improving documentation accuracy, reducing medication errors, enhancing access to patient information, and facilitating effective communication among healthcare professionals. The study further identified Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems as key technologies supporting patient safety initiatives. Regular staff training, management support, adequate technological infrastructure, and user involvement were found to be significant determinants of effective Health Information Technology utilization. The study concluded that effective implementation and utilization of Health Information Technology positively influence patient safety outcomes at Imo State University Teaching Hospital.},
keywords = {Health Information Technology, Patient Safety, Healthcare Workers, Electronic Medical Records, Clinical Decision Support Systems, IMSUTH, Nigeria.},
month = {September},
}