Exploration of the role of health information managers in the world of clinical registries.

Abstract

Background: There is increased demand for health information managers (HIMs) to work at clinical registries. Objective: To explore and describe the (i) roles and responsibilities of HIMs and (ii) reported HIM workforce within Australian clinical registries. Method: Two cross-sectional surveys were undertaken with qualified HIMs and data custodians. Respondents were engaged through snowballing methods. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise quantitative data from both surveys. Inductive thematic analysis was used to summarise free-text responses. Results: Sixteen HIMs completed the survey (94% female; 50% aged <40 years; median 8 years post-graduation). The majority reported varied roles and responsibilities which spanned most of the domains of the profession, particularly tasks related to data and database management (81%), and data analysis and reporting (81%). Some HIMs are under-utilised, identifying that they would be more satisfied in their role if they could "use more of [their] health information management skills." From 27 responses to the data custodian survey, 12 employed HIMs and demonstrated a good understanding of their skills, which aligned with responses to the HIM survey. There was a gap identified in database management and analysis skills (n = 4) at clinical registries that do not employ HIMs. Conclusion: HIMs play an important role within clinical registries, especially related to data management, analysis and reporting. Ongoing advocacy is required to increase the understanding of HIMs' skills and to increase the responsibilities and number of HIMs working at clinical registries. Implications for health information management practice: HIMs are well-positioned to contribute to Australian clinical registries.