What does data integrity mean in an electronic health record system?

What does data integrity mean in an electronic health record system?

• A. The physical security of the server only
• B. The speed of data entry
• C. The number of users who can edit records
• D. Accuracy, consistency, and completeness of data across the patient record and over time

Answer: (D)

Data integrity in an electronic health record system is about the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of information across a patient’s record and over time. It means the data entered is correct, related pieces of information stay aligned (for example, a lab result matches the associated test order and patient), and essential fields aren’t missing so care decisions aren’t based on partial or contradictory data. Integrity is kept through validation rules, standardized coding, audit trails, and controlled updates so changes are traceable and can be reviewed or undone if needed. It’s not just about physical security, speed of data entry, or how many people can edit; those aspects relate to security or performance, while maintaining trustworthiness of the data is what integrity is all about. In short, data integrity ensures the information in the patient record is reliable for ongoing care, billing, and reporting.