Knowledge, Attitudes, and Challenges of E-Coding Use in Health Information Management: A Case Study of Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Introduction:

The adoption of electronic health information systems has become increasingly important in improving healthcare delivery and data management. Electronic coding (e-coding), a key component of this transformation, enhances the accuracy of clinical documentation, supports timely billing, and facilitates reliable health data reporting. Despite its benefits, implementation challenges persist, especially in resource-limited settings like Nigeria.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, perceived benefits, and challenges related to e-coding among Health Information Management (HIM) personnel at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). It also sought to determine the association between knowledge and the actual practice of e-coding.

Method of Analysis:

A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. Total enumeration sampling was used to administer structured questionnaires to 150 HIM personnel. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used for data presentation, while Chi-square analysis tested the relationship between knowledge and practice of e-coding.

Result:

Findings revealed that 88% of respondents were aware of e-coding, although only 54% had received formal training. While 78% agreed that e-coding improves documentation accuracy and 82% acknowledged its role in enhancing record accessibility, only 60% expressed confidence in its use. Key challenges included inadequate training (62%), poor infrastructure (58%), and incomplete clinical documentation (50%). A significant association was found between knowledge and e-coding practice (χ² = 9.09, p = 0.0001), confirming that increased knowledge correlates with higher adoption.

Conclusion:

Despite positive perceptions of e-coding, its effective implementation is hindered by infrastructural deficits and a lack of comprehensive training. Enhancing workforce capacity, improving infrastructure, and addressing documentation quality are essential steps toward optimizing e-coding usage in health institutions. Addressing these barriers will be critical in leveraging digital tools to improve healthcare data quality and service delivery in Nigeria.