Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Health Information Management (HIM) is an essential health administration component for the organising, coordinating and distribution of health related information, for the benefit of all its recipients.HIM professionals combine some medical and business disciplines to perform their duties.This research was aimed at evaluating the outcomes of an academic Master's programme in HIM, to assess whether it equiped Health Information Managers with the competences in multicultural communication, leadership and management, as well as whether it contributed theoretical knowledge about the composition of academic Masters' programmes, and their significance towards the development of competences in HIM.The evaluation was conducted through a qualitative and quantitative survey.This approach enables the researcher to adopt an observer's approach to the research exercise, and the participants/respondents are treated in a more equal manner.Essentially, this is done to limit the researcher's bias, as well as encourage equal treatment of the participants/respondents.The researcher employed the Kirkpatrick Model of evaluation, a model that is commonly used to evaluate training and educational programmes.The findings of this research revealed that the participants/respondents considered the programme mostly satisfactory.However, the sub-Saharan participants/respondents considered the programme more relevant, as opposed to the German participant, and inferred that it enhanced professional competences.Information-systems-related content was preferred the most, without any content being censured.However, the programme was regarded as inadequate in statistical analysis and epidemiology content, which are essential components of health data analysis and monitoring.Epidemiology is perceived as a valuable addition because the participants/ respondents consider it important in practice, as well as academic research.Additionally, the development of an undergraduate module was suggested, to develop HIM professional and relevant competences, including more technical aspects.This research was limited to participants/respondents' insights; therefore, a future comprehensive study, comprising other stakeholders, excluding students, should be conducted to gain more in-depth and overall outcomes of the programme, as well as its impact in practice.
Author: Arthur Bhekimpilo Chikware
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3012379558