THE CHALLENGES OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

BETWEEN HEALTH INFORMATION OFFICERS AND

PATIENTS (A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF BAB).
INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The need for adequate and effective communication in the health care delivery
between health information officers and patients cannot be overemphasized. Lack
of communication can lead grave medical errors which have the potential to cause
severe injury or unexpected patient death. Medical errors which have occurred in
the past relates more to failure to communicate adequately and effectively in
today’s health care organizations. The problem confronting the study is to appraise
the challenges of effective communication between health information officers and
patients. A case study of university Uyo teaching hospital.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the challenges of effective

communication between health information officers and patients. A case study of
university uyo teaching hospital; The specific objectives include:

 To find out if there is effective communication between health information

officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

To investigate the impacts of effective communication between health information

officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

To identify the factors militating against effective communication between health

information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

    i.        Is there effective communication between health information officers and
patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital?

   ii.        What are the impacts of effective communication between health

information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital?

 iii.        What are the factors militating against effective communication between
health information officers and patients in the University of Uyo Teaching
Hospital?

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

Ho1: There is no significant factor militating against effective communication

between health information officers and patients.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study proffers an appraisal of the challenges of effective communication
between health information officers and patients. A case study of university uyo
teaching hospital. It provides relevant data for the effective formulation and
implementation of policies to enhance the realization of envisaged objective.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study proffers an appraisal of the challenges of effective communication

between health information officers and patients. A case study of university uyo
teaching hospital.

 1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

COMMUNICATION DEFINED

Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between

individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. It is a two-
way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only
exchange information, news, ideas and feelings but also create and share meaning.
In general, communication is a means of connecting people or places.

HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM DEFINED

World Health Organization defines health systems as a system consisting of all

organizations, people and actions directed at promoting, restoring or maintaining
health. This includes efforts which influence health determinants and health-
improving activities. A health system encompasses publicly owned facilities which
delivers personal health services, health insurance organizations, a mothers care for
a sick child at home; vector-control campaigns, efforts of private health care
providers.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS DEFINED

Healthcare providers consist of those institutions or individuals which provides

healthcare services.

EDUCATION DEFINED

Education is viewed as the process of inviting truth and possibility. It is the wise,
hopeful and respectful cultivation of learning undertaken in the belief that all
should have the chance to share in life.