Assessing classification and filing of laboratory medical mecords at Tororo General Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess the classification and filing of laboratory medical records at Tororo General Hospital. The study objectives were: to establish the current status of classification and filing of laboratory medical records; to find out how classification and filing of laboratory medical records is managed at the hospital; to identify the challenges of classification and filing of laboratory medical records; and to make suggestions for the best practice in classification and filing of laboratory medical records. The study was car ied out using case study design. Data was collected using Interview, observation and document analysis The results of the study revealed that Tororo Genera hospital was still using the old and out dated ways in classification and filing of laboratory medical records which are not up to standard with the modern way of classification and filing. The study also revealed that the hospital uses two categories of records which are classified as paper based records and electronic records; the paper based records are mainly stored in file folders and box files kept safely in shelves for daily use. The electronic records are mainly kept on personal computers on hard disks and some as emails. From the findings there was lack of knowledge regarding classification and filing, whereby only data officer is the trained person to manage the medical records; however this is not put into consideration of which it remains a challenge because health records are used on daily basis. It was recommended that the hospital sets up both pre-service and in-service training of records users at Tororo general hospital. For example organize regular continuous professional development training to keep records managers up to date with skills in classification and filing records. The hospital should also adapt to new methods of classification and filing of medical records such us use computer based classification and filing methods instead of paper based.