Health Information Management (HIM) professionals have been urged to take proactive leadership roles in driving digital transformation across the healthcare sector.
This call was made by Olaniyi Mustapha, a seasoned HIM professional, writer, and social media strategist, during a webinar organized by the HIM advocacy platform, Ace Medformatics, with the theme: “Redefining Healthcare Leadership: Through Digital Health and HIM Innovation.” The session was moderated by budding IT developer, Amos Ugbedah.
In his presentation, Mustapha described HIM professionals as “the business managers and custodians of health data and information in the healthcare sector,” noting that the growing need for digital transformation is driven by the increasing role of data, digital records, and health informatics in modern healthcare delivery.
He encouraged professionals to rethink their traditional roles and strategically position themselves at the forefront of digital health leadership.
According to him, “Mindset change is essential. HIM professionals must not remain behind the scenes but must rise to lead the digital health revolution.”
The webinar, which attracted industry leaders, mentors, and stakeholders, explored key areas where HIM professionals are expected to lead innovation—such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs), data analytics, data privacy, security, interoperability, and AI-driven healthcare systems.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Akinjide Olamitundun, Strategic Lead at Ace Medformatics, echoed the call for broader digital advocacy.
She emphasized the need for collective efforts in strengthening the visibility and voice of HIM professionals in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Mr. Idowu Mercy, National Secretary of the Clinical Documentation and Improvement Specialists of Nigeria (CDISN), called for effective change management strategies and urged professionals to align with emerging trends in digital health.
Similarly, Mr. Ajao Oluwatosin, another speaker at the session, called on advocacy platforms to continually lend their voices to digital transformation efforts.
He further urged Health Records Boards to initiate strategic training programs that will promote and institutionalize digital health practices.
The facilitator, Olaniyi Mustapha, who currently serves as Director of Public Information at HIM Media NG, has published over 3,000 health stories and data-driven advocacy posts. His work focuses on leveraging analytics to drive healthcare efficiency and improve visibility, while promoting a digital transformation mindset among HIM professionals through social media engagement.
“Without leadership, technology becomes a burden, not a solution,” Mustapha stated, stressing that digital transformation is not merely about adopting tools, but about “redefining how healthcare works through visionary leadership and data governance.”
The webinar concluded with a strong call to action: HIM professionals must begin to see themselves not just as record keepers, but as change agents, educators, and innovators shaping the future of healthcare through digital transformation.