Application of Records Management Principles in Private Health Facilities in Awka, Anambra State

This research applies records management principles to the operational context of private health facilities in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. Patient records, billing documentation, staff files, and regulatory compliance documents are central to the efficient operation of private clinics and hospitals, yet their management in many facilities lacks professional rigour. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets medical records officers, clinic managers, and administrative secretaries in fifteen private health facilities across Awka. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires and records audit checklists developed from international health information management standards. The Records Continuum Model and the Patient Information Governance Framework provide the theoretical foundation, with reference to literature from 2020 to 2024. Specific areas investigated include record creation standards, storage security, retrieval protocols, and disposal procedures. The study also explores the extent of adoption of electronic health record systems in Awka's private health sector. Recommendations are directed at facility owners, the Anambra State Ministry of Health, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. Keywords: records management, private health facilities, patient records, Awka, Anambra State