Assessment of the Quality of Health Information for Good Health Care: A Case of Kerugoya Level 4 Hospital, Kirinyaga County

Abstract

Improving healthcare services has been paramount to both the national and county governments in Kenya. However, this broad national goal has failed to be achieved within the health sector in Kenya due to dilapidated systems, lack of coordination and poor quality of the health records within the industry. The current study sought to establish the influence of quality health records on improving healthcare in Kerugoya Level IV hospital. Specifically, the research focused on the creation of health information, relevance of health information, completeness and accuracy of patient’s health information and accessibility of health information on the improving of health services. The research was grounded on the negativity theory. The research adopted a quantitative design with a population of 288 staff members being targeted in the study. The sample respondents were 165 staff members with both quantitative questionnaires and interview schedules being utilized in the research. The study adopted quantitative techniques in the data analysis and thematical analysis. The findings showed that 87% of the sample respondents were able to participate in the study. The research concludes that creation of health information, relevance of information and accessibility of health records are significant predictors to improved healthcare services. The research revealed that the level of management support and resource availability are positive and significant predictors of the level of improved healthcare services in Kerugoya level IV hospital. The study findings noted there is a positive but insignificant relationship between completeness and accuracy of health information and improved healthcare services within the level IV hospital. The study recommends that the hospitals should improve the digitalization of health records which will foster storage and accessibility. The hospitals should also enhance coordination with the national government to improve their health infrastructure.