DATA QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM. A CASE STUDY OF ATBUTH, BAUCHISTATE

This study examines Data Quality Management in Health Information Systems (HIS): A Case Study of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Data quality is a critical component of health information systems, as accurate, complete, timely, and reliable data are essential for effective healthcare planning, decision-making, patient management, policy formulation, and resource allocation. However, many healthcare institutions face challenges related to poor data quality, including incomplete records, inaccurate data entry, duplication of information, and delays in reporting. The study aims to assess the current data quality management practices at ATBUTH, identify factors affecting data quality, evaluate the effectiveness of existing data management procedures, and propose strategies for improving the quality of health information. A case study research design was adopted, utilizing both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews administered to health information officers, medical record personnel, and other relevant healthcare workers, while secondary data were obtained from hospital records, reports, and relevant literature. The findings reveal that although ATBUTH has implemented various health information management practices, challenges such as inadequate staff training, limited technological infrastructure, data entry errors, insufficient monitoring mechanisms, and poor adherence to data quality standards continue to affect the quality of health information. The study further establishes that effective data quality management significantly enhances the reliability and usefulness of health information for clinical and administrative purposes. The study concludes that improving data quality management requires continuous staff capacity building, regular data quality assessments, adoption of standardized data management procedures, and increased investment in health information technologies. The study recommends the implementation of robust data quality assurance frameworks, periodic audits, and strengthened supervision to ensure the production of high-quality health data that can support evidence-based healthcare delivery and policy decisions. Keywords: Data Quality Management, Health Information System, Data Accuracy, Data Completeness, Health Records, Healthcare Information Management, ATBUTH Bauchi State.