MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL RECORDS IN SUPPORT OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES OF DIEPSLOOT CLINICS IN GAUTENG PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The study investigated the management of medical records in the Primary Health Care services (PHCs) of Diepsloot. The study investigated the regulatory framework, records infrastructure, records security, records management staff skills and the filing system. A qualitative design guided by the interpretive paradigm was used to guide the case study. Interviews, focus groups, and observations generated data from 50 participants. The study revealed that the regulatory instruments used to manage records lack implementation and compliance. There was a lack of security measures, a shortage of records management infrastructure and inconsistency in the filing system. There is a low level of skill in the records management staff. The study recommended the implementation of a regulatory policy that will guide and ensure effective governance of records in PHCs. Records should be secure from misuse by unscrupulous individuals. PHC records need to be managed by experienced professionals. The filing system should be easily accessible.