Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What does data integrity assure about information access?

1. It is always up-to-date.

2. It has been accessed or modified only by authorized users.

3. It is relevant to current needs.

4. It is backed up regularly.

The correct answer is: It has been accessed or modified only by authorized users.

Data integrity is a critical aspect of information management that ensures the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. The correct answer highlights that data integrity assures information has been accessed or modified only by authorized users. This is vital because unauthorized access or modifications can lead to data corruption, loss of context, and untrustworthy information, which can ultimately compromise decision-making processes and operational effectiveness. When data integrity is maintained through strict access controls and user permissions, it helps to safeguard against erroneous alterations and provides a solid foundation for the accuracy of the information being processed and analyzed. This trust in the information is crucial for compliance, especially in sensitive fields like healthcare where data breaches can have serious implications. The other options focus on various aspects of data management, but they do not directly pertain to the concept of data integrity. For instance, while up-to-date information is important for relevance, it does not speak to who has the authority to change that data. Similarly, relevant data and regular backups are important for maintaining effective data systems, but they are not specific assurances that come from data integrity itself.