Experiences of health information managers with 20+ years of experiences in the complex and ever-changing healthcare environment

Abstract

This hermeneutical study examined the lived experiences of health information managers with 20+ years of experience in the complex and ever-changing environment of healthcare. The purpose of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of credentialed health information managers with 20+ years of experience who have experienced moving from a paper-based medical record system to an electronic health record system. Eight credentialed health information managers were interviewed. They shared their experiences over the past 20+ years in the health information management profession. I conducted individual interviews of each participant. Four themes emerged and were emailed to the participants for verification. Four major themes were agreed upon: 1). Commitment to Data Quality, 2). Managing a Workforce in the Electronic Health Record environment, 3). Gender and Sexual Orientation Bias Experiences, and 4). Commitment to Collaboration. The knowledge gained in this study may help practitioners who are implementing electronic health record systems, other healthcare personnel who are implementing electronic health records, human resource development practitioners working in healthcare environments, and educators working with students in accredited health information management programs.