Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42697583›Full record

ArticleBMJ open quality2026

Enhancing medical record management: effective implementation of operational standards at Wallaga University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 2025.

Gedefa Bayisa, Meseret Belete Fite, Asfawu Degefe, Ganna Gobena, Milkiyas Baki Aga, Ketema Badasa, Amsalu Takele, Asefa Negari, Tesfaye Shibiru, Misganu Teshoma Regasa and 3 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open quality, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Gedefa BayisaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia gedefa2019@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0002-5052-7962
Meseret Belete FiteWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Asfawu DegefeWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Ganna GobenaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Milkiyas Baki AgaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Ketema BadasaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Amsalu TakeleWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Asefa NegariWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Tesfaye ShibiruWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Misganu Teshoma RegasaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Lammii GonfaaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2345-4219
Dereje Chala DiribaWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Adisu TilahunWollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEffective medical record management is crucial for timely access to patient information and quality care. Issues like loss, misplacement and delays in retrieval lead to longer wait times and reduced staff efficiency yet these operational challenges are often neglected in healthcare improvement efforts. AIM OF THE PROJECT: This project seeks to improve medical record management at Wallaga University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, increasing the baseline from 35% to 90% between 15 September and 10 December 2025.

methodsA quality improvement approach was implemented using sequential plan-do-study-act (PDSA cycles. Key interventions included staff training on filing and tracking, numerical reorganisation of folders, separation of active/inactive files, a digital tracking system, assignment of folder responsibilities, privacy measures and routine audits with feedback. Effectiveness was evaluated using quantitative indicators (retrieval rates, lost folder rates, waiting times, satisfaction surveys) and qualitative feedback from stakeholders.

resultsPerformance improved significantly from 41% to 95% over seven PDSA cycles. Lost folders decreased from 13% to 2%, delayed retrieval dropped from 25% to 3% and timely folder provision rose from 72% to 95%. Patient satisfaction increased from 40% to 90%, while healthcare provider satisfaction grew from 60% to 85%. Qualitative feedback highlighted reduced conflicts, improved workflow, enhanced accountability and fewer duplicate records.

conclusionThe structured quality improvement intervention effectively enhanced medical record management, showcasing the efficacy of PDSA cycles combined with practical interventions. Sustained improvements are anticipated with ongoing monitoring and staff engagement. This model can be adapted by other hospitals facing similar challenges, contributing to more efficient, patient-centred healthcare delivery.

Indexed as

Medical RecordsHospitals, SpecialHospitals, UniversityHumansQuality ImprovementSurveys and QuestionnairesManagementPDSAQuality improvement

Identifiers

PMID42697583
PMCPMC13548257

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.