New Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Health Information Management in Ghana.

Abstract

The introduction of bachelors’ programme in health information management is timely in the quest of the country’s health managers to improve health outcomes of patients. For the successful management of health information to improve clients/patient outcomes, it is evident that a skilled workforce is required. The Department of Health Information Management at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana is a health information teaching and research institution in Ghana. The department teaches health information management at the bachelors’ level and is making preparations to start a programme at the masters’ level. The study analysed the state of health information management education in the country. We considered current institutions running a bachelor degree in health information management. Managing health information is crucial in ensuring quality service provision to clients/patients. Health information management has been at the diploma level for many and graduates are unable to further their education for them to professionally manage the different types of health information. The Department of Health Information Management as a new department is making strides to be a leading department in terms of teaching and research. The department seeks to contribute to and improve management of health information through its undergraduate training as well as short courses for medical records professionals as well as health information managers working in the health-related industry. The department also seeks to champion research in health information in the country and ensure that health information policies are influenced by cutting-edge research.