Investigating the knowledge and attitudes of nurses on the benefit of the quality of patient record-keeping in selected hospitals in Burundi

Abstract

Background: Complete recording of information is the foundation of continuity of care. However, the quality of patient information recording is a major problem being experienced by health services institutions in many countries. In Burundi there is a lack of accurate information recording and processing of patient information. The quality of patient information recorded is unreliable for decision making and management of healthcare delivery.

Aim: This study investigated the quality of patient information record-keeping among nurses in selected hospitals in Burundi. The objectives were as follows: (a) to describe the knowledge of nurses on the benefits of the quality of patient record-keeping in selected hospitals in Burundi, (b) to describes nurses’ attitudes on the benefits of the quality of patient record-keeping in selected hospitals in Burundi, c) to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and nurses’ knowledge and attitudes on the benefits of the quality of patient record-keeping in selected hospitals, and (d) to identify barriers influencing the quality of record-keeping in selected hospitals in Burundi. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative research approach using a descriptive survey design. The target population for this study was N=121 nurses; an all-inclusive sampling technique was used to include all 121 qualified nurses who were working in the selected hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24. Statistical variables such as knowledge, attitudes and barriers were analysed using descriptive statistics to generate frequency, and cross tabulation using chi square test was also adopted to determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and nurses’ knowledge and attitudes on the benefits of the quality of patient record-keeping. The reliability and validity of the instrument were established and a pre-test was conducted to validate the questions. All ethical principles regarding the study were adhered to. The findings from this study provide relevant information about the benefits of quality of patient record-keeping for the management of the hospitals and all relevant stakeholders in Burundi.