The effect of health information systems management on healthcare delivery in Northern Nigerian Tertiary Hospitals

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of Health Information Systems (HIS) management on healthcare delivery within tertiary hospitals in Northern Nigeria. The research specifically examined how HIS management—conceptualized through data quality, system reliability, and staff competence—affects service efficiency, clinical decision-making, and overall quality of care. Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, primary data were elicited from a sample of 300 healthcare professionals, yielding 284 valid responses for analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression analysis. Findings revealed a strong significant positive relationship between HIS management and healthcare delivery ($r = 0.68$, $p < 0.05$). Regression results further indicated that HIS management is a significant predictor of service quality improvements, accounting for $54\%$ of the variance ($R^2 = 0.54$). Despite these benefits, the study identified critical bottlenecks, including dilapidated ICT infrastructure, erratic power supply, chronic underfunding, and specialized training gaps. The study concludes that robust HIS management is a non-negotiable catalyst for optimizing healthcare outcomes in Northern Nigeria. It recommends targeted investment in resilient power solutions and continuous professional ICT development for medical personnel.