HIM MEDIA NG’s Executive Head, Olaniyi Olaoluwa, has emphasized the urgent need for change management among health information professionals and health records practitioners in Nigeria.
Speaking at a webinar series organized by ACE MEDFORMATICS, an advocacy health platform, Olaniyi emphasized that embracing change management is critical to the future of Health Information Management (HIM) in the country.
The webinar, titled “Change Management and Innovative Adoption in Health Information Management Practice,” brought together key stakeholders in the health information sector.
Olaniyi highlighted that the sector is currently at a crossroads, with the potential to collapse if proactive measures are not taken.
He emphasized that salvaging the profession requires a collective effort from all individuals within the industry to actively embrace change.
“The future of health information management in Nigeria is at risk,” Olaniyi said.
“For the profession to thrive, we must embrace change management at all levels. Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, but beautiful at the end. The time has come for us to take responsibility and rescue our profession from the brink of collapse.”
He pointed out several areas where change is urgently needed, including leadership, personal attitudes toward work, policies and regulations, governance, and the adoption of digital technologies.
According to him, the ongoing digital evolution in healthcare presents a unique opportunity to reshape and advance the sector.
In addition to discussing the need for change, Olaniyi quoted a vital piece of advice for the future of the profession: “What has worked is experience, but what will work is innovation.”
He emphasized that in order to secure the future of the profession, health information practitioners must shift their focus from relying solely on traditional methods to embracing innovative solutions and technologies.
Throughout the session, Olaniyi addressed several questions raised by the participants, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an open dialogue on the pressing issues facing the profession.
One of the main takeaways from the session was the need for young professionals to be intentional in developing skills that will bring about meaningful changes and improvements to the industry.
He urged the next generation of health information managers to be proactive in acquiring the necessary competencies that will position them as change agents in the sector.
“The future belongs to those who are prepared to innovate and lead,” he said. “Young professionals must focus on the skills and virtues that will bring about positive transformation in the health information space.”
Olaniyi concluded by reiterating that the path forward requires a mindset shift, where every professional takes ownership of their role in driving change.