What does "data integrity" refer to in nursing informatics?

Data integrity in nursing informatics pertains to the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its lifecycle. This concept emphasizes that data must remain reliable and unaltered as it is collected, stored, processed, and communicated within information systems. Ensuring data integrity is vital in nursing practices, as healthcare decisions often rely on precise and trustworthy information.

When data integrity is maintained, it supports clinical decision-making, enhances patient safety, and enables effective communication among healthcare providers. Problems with data integrity can lead to errors in patient care, misdiagnoses, and ineffective treatments, making it essential for healthcare organizations to implement robust measures for data validation and management.

Other aspects like accessibility, volume, or update frequency, while relevant to data management, do not encapsulate the core meaning of data integrity, which is focused on the trustworthiness and reliability of the data itself.