Hospital workflow compliance and timeliness of inpatient medical record return: Evidence from a cross-sectional study in indonesia

Introduction: Timely return of inpatient medical records is essential for continuity of care, hospital reporting, coding, insurance claims, and administrative efficiency. This study aimed to examine factors associated with timely inpatient medical-record return at Andi Makkasau Regional Hospital, Parepare, Indonesia. Research Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 nurses working afternoon and night shifts, selected using total sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation checklists. Staff attitude, workload, and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) were examined in relation to timely record return using Chi-square analysis. Results: Of 40 respondents, 16 (40.0%) returned inpatient medical records on time, whereas 24 (60.0%) did not. Staff attitude was not significantly associated with timeliness (*p*=0.638), nor was workload (*p*=0.681). In contrast, SOP compliance showed a significant association (*p*<0.001). Among respondents with good SOP compliance, 14 of 21 returned records on time, compared with 2 of 19 among those with poor compliance, corresponding to a calculated crude OR of 17.00 (95% CI: 3.03–95.26). Conclusion: SOP compliance was the principal factor associated with timely inpatient medical-record return. Strengthening procedural adherence, routine monitoring, and documentation accountability may improve medical-record workflow and hospital service efficiency. Keywords: health personnel; medical records; patient discharge; standard operating procedures; workload