Issues on health data collection

Abstract

In health care, information about health clients is important so health workers can do their best to ensure that their clients are properly cared for. With the speedy development of the Internet, the health information of patients can be retrieved instantly; otherwise it can take weeks and this long delay can create problems for patients, their families and health centres. However, data collection, particularly with the use of information technology, can cause problems which do not normally occur in the traditional data collection approach. This paper examines the concepts and issues relating to the development of an integrated health record system and identifies problems which are faced by health workers in relation to intercultural communication, privacy and safe data collection in health care.