An Examination of Health Information Service Provision at Federal Medical Center, Katsina

Abstract

This paper examined the Health information service provision at federal medical center, Katsina. A qualitative research method was used in carrying out this study. Interview was used as research instrument for data collection. The population of this study consists of medical doctors, nurses and midwives, pharmacist, laboratory technicians and scientists and radiologists. Two participants were selected from each of these groups, making a total of sixteen (16) participants. The findings of this study have shown that the sources of information resources at the center were mainly from the library, flairs from pharmaceutical companies, professional bodies, internet services, reports, conference proceedings, workshops and seminars. Also, the findings showed that the information services provided at the center were selective dissemination of information (SDI), current awareness services (CAS), Reference services, information searching, referral library services and library user education etc. The paper articulated some of the major factors that militate against effective health information service provision at the center which revolved around inadequate information service providers, lack of effective and virile library services, inadequate internet and ICT facilities, erratic power supply and poor health record management system. Finally, the paper came up with appropriate recommendations.