Understanding health information management practices in public hospitals in Kuwait

Abstract

Background: Health information technology (IT) solutions can aid healthcare reform efforts, but without proper information management, these efforts are futile. In this study, we used Kuwait as an example of a high per-capita gross domestic product country that faces information management challenges to draw insights that can be generalised to other developed countries. Objective: (i) to uncover the status quo of information management practices in public hospitals and (ii) to offer recommendations to improve them. Method: This study analysed qualitative and quantitative accreditation-related data pertaining to the compliance with the information management standard at all secondary care public hospitals over two accreditation cycles. Results: Overall, public hospitals had made positive progress in their compliance with the information management standard. However, issues still existed with (i) developing and implementing an information management plan, (ii) involving the appropriate stakeholders in selecting health IT solutions and (iii) access to the Internet by staff and patients. Conclusion: Evidence underscored the importance of proper information management driven by clear centralised strategic plans. Implications: With the rapid adoption of digital health systems, the role of health information management leaders should not be undervalued. Embracing health IT solutions with strong information management practices can aid healthcare reform efforts.

The perceptions of healthcare professionals about accreditation and its impact on quality of healthcare in Kuwait: a qualitative study

“…The accreditation program was developed by Kuwait MoH Quality and Accreditation Directorate which provided educational support to the staff about accreditation 23 . The MoH has been significantly investing in enhancing the use of health information technology solutions including EHRs 39 . These systems have been adopted in the primary healthcare sector, 40 and are now under development in hospitals 39 .…”

“…The MoH has been significantly investing in enhancing the use of health information technology solutions including EHRs 39 . These systems have been adopted in the primary healthcare sector, 40 and are now under development in hospitals 39 . This can facilitate the effective use of patient data, which in turn can assist healthcare organizations to track quality improvement activities, evaluate performance and provide evidence for meeting accreditation standards 12 …”

Information management practices in public tertiary health-care facilities: an empirical investigation from the state of Kuwait

“…A recent study investigating information management practices in secondary care hospitals in Kuwait (Alhuwail, 2019) reports similar results: Secondary care hospitals made positive improvements overall in their compliance with the Information Management standard. However, the role and focus of tertiary care hospitals are different from secondary care hospitals.…”

“…Tertiary care hospitals face issues with effectively and efficiently transmitting data, aggregating clinical and administrative data, and using information to plan, make strategic decisions, and prioritize quality improvement initiatives. On the other hand, secondary care hospitals have different issues related to developing and implementing an information management plan, involving the appropriate stakeholders in selecting health IT solutions, and access to the internet by staff and patients (Alhuwail, 2019).…”

“…This research builds on previously published work focusing on information management practices in public health-care facilities in the State of Kuwait. Previous research has focused on secondary care facilities (Alhuwail, 2019), while the focus of the current article is on tertiary health-care organizations that provide highly specialized and more focused care services.…”