Preservation and Security of Information Resources at the Federal University Otuoke Health Care Centre, Bayelsa State

Abstract

Considering the importance and need for efficient preservation and security of medical records in the federal university Otuoke, it is imperative to employ the use of technology to achieve this purpose. The use of technology will save funds, time, and space and prevent health hazards. The lack of technology in this digital age will lead to poor management of health records, which will invariably lead to health hazards. It is on this premise that this study seeks to investigate the preservation and security of information in the digital age at the Federal University Otuoke Healthcare Centre. The study identifies the records generated and kept, examines the factors militating against effective preservation, and determines the strategies that could be employed in preserving medical records. A descriptive research method was adopted; total enumeration sampling techniques were used as the study population of 70 was not large. A questionnaire was used for data collection, and the data was analysed using frequency count and simple percentages. The study revealed that major records generated include observations and administration of drugs and therapies, test results, x-rays, and reports, among others. Factors militating against the preservation and security of medical records indicated by respondents include lack of ICT, poor power supply, and lack of skilled manpower, among others; strategies employed for the preservation of medical records, as revealed by respondents, include shelving, cabinets, drawl air conditioning, etc. The study recommends employing a professional librarian to effectively manage the electronic facilities used to deploy electronic records.