Assessment of records risks at Mengo hospital in Kampala

Abstract

The study was aimed at assessment of records risks at Mengo Hospital in the department of records in Kampala. The study was based on 4 objectives i.e the different types of hospital records kept, the risks faced by records kept, the challenges experienced in managing risks and solutions to challenges in managing risks facing records. The study took a period of 3 months thus from May to July. The study employed a case study design and was qualitative in nature. The study employed 9 respondents from a sample of 14 who were selected purposively. The selection of the respondents was based on entirely their knowledge about the subject matter. The study found out that the hospital keeps a number of records which include: Appointment letters, Administrative records, contracts, financial records, vital records, personal records and legal records and some of the risks involved in keeping of these records were: less effective Automated records management system, improper retention and disposition policy, Under staffing, inadequate storage equipment and dust and some of the solutions to the to the challenges were some of the record risk management tools like indexes and Registers. The study concluded that the fact that effective storage and risk management fosters efficient and reliable access to records and ensuring the timely decision making and accountability. The challenges in managing storage and risk management for effective services delivery can be managed and there are various ways of improving their management which was recommended.