What does data integrity ensure regarding the information in health records?

Data integrity in health records is fundamental to maintaining the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of the information contained within them. This concept ensures that health records can be trusted and that only authorized individuals have the ability to amend or modify those records. Ensuring that only certain individuals can amend records safeguards the authenticity of the data and prevents unauthorized changes that could compromise patient safety or lead to misinformation.

By restricting amendment capabilities to designated personnel, organizations uphold the integrity of health records, which is critical for patient care, legal compliance, and overall healthcare quality. Data integrity also helps in maintaining an audit trail that can track who made changes and when, which is essential for accountability and transparency in healthcare settings.