Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What can be a consequence of attaching data to the incorrect patient's record?

1. Improved data accuracy

2. Better patient outcomes

3. Data inaccuracy affecting care delivery

4. Higher data integrity

The correct answer is: Data inaccuracy affecting care delivery

Attaching data to the incorrect patient's record primarily leads to data inaccuracy affecting care delivery. When patient information, such as medical history, test results, or treatment plans, is linked to the wrong individual, it can result in severe consequences for patient safety and quality of care. Healthcare providers rely on accurate and specific patient data to make informed decisions about diagnoses, treatments, and medications. Inaccuracies can lead to inappropriate or harmful interventions, delayed treatment, and overall compromised patient outcomes. In contrast, options like improved data accuracy, better patient outcomes, and higher data integrity are positively framed and would not arise from associating data with the wrong patient. Instead, these aspects rely on the accurate management of patient records and data integrity. Therefore, the ramifications of attaching data inaccurately are significant and can ultimately hinder effective care delivery.