Data Integrity and Quality Flashcards

Which data quality dimension refers to the degree to which data values fall within an acceptable range?

Answer: Validity

Validity means data values conform to defined formats, ranges, or accepted value sets.

A patient's blood type is recorded as 'AB+' in two different systems but 'AB positive' in a third. This is a problem with which data quality dimension?

Answer: Consistency

Consistency means the same data element is represented in the same way across all systems.

What is a data audit trail in the context of health information management?

Answer: A chronological record of when data was created, accessed, or modified

An audit trail documents who accessed or changed data, when, and what was changed, supporting data integrity.

Which process involves comparing data from multiple sources to identify and resolve discrepancies?

Answer: Data reconciliation

Data reconciliation compares records from different sources to detect and correct inconsistencies.

An HIM analyst finds that 15% of patient records are missing a discharge disposition code. Which data quality dimension is most affected?

Answer: Completeness

Completeness refers to whether all required data elements are present in a record.

Which type of data validation check ensures that a field contains data of the correct format, such as a date field containing only dates?

Answer: Format check

A format check verifies that data conforms to the expected structure or pattern for a given field.

What is the primary purpose of a data dictionary in healthcare organizations?

Answer: To define the meaning, format, and acceptable values for each data element

A data dictionary provides standardized definitions and rules for each data element, promoting consistent data use.