When two patient records are mistakenly combined, what is this scenario called?

The scenario where two patient records are mistakenly combined is referred to as an overlay. An overlay occurs when separate patient records, typically due to a data entry error or a system issue, are merged into a single record, making it difficult to accurately represent the individual medical histories of the patients involved. This situation can lead to serious implications for patient care, as it can result in the sharing of diagnoses, treatments, and medications that do not belong to a particular patient.

Understanding the definition of overlay is essential in the field of health information management, as it highlights the importance of maintaining accurate patient records and data integrity. Effective management practices and system checks are necessary to prevent overlays, ensuring each patient’s information remains distinct and accurately reflects their medical history. While duplicates involve having two separate records for the same patient, overlays blur those records into one, which is what distinguishes the two scenarios.