A scoping review of the educator role performed by Health Information Managers in health workplace-based education: The practitioner Health Information Manager-educator.

Abstract

Background: Health Information Managers (HIMs) play a crucial role in the management and governance of health information ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality and accessibility of health data for clinical care and business operational purposes. This role also extends to education and training in the workplace.

Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to explore and elucidate the role played by HIMs when they undertake a health workplace-based (healthcare organisation or service) educational role and/or functions as evidenced in the existing body of literature.

Method: A scoping review of the literature to investigated the importance of the educator role for HIM health workplace-based educators. A three-step search strategy was designed to ensure a comprehensive exploration of relevant research.

Results: Of 63 articles assess for eligibility, 14 were included in the final analysis. All included articles acknowledged the importance of the HIM-educator workplace-based role. Half of the included articles had been published within the last 7 years. Only 8 of the 14 articles provided some description of HIM-educator attributes, suggesting that these characteristics remain unexplored.

Discussion: Findings from this scoping review have shed light on the limitations within the current available literature concerning the attributes of HIM health workplace-based educators. The findings also highlight an important gap in knowledge concerning the qualities of these HIM-educators.

Conclusion: This identified gap in the literature signals a need for further exploration and investigation into the specific attributes, skills, and characteristics that define effective HIM-educators undertaking a health workplace-based educational role.