How do you correct a documentation error?

To correct a documentation error properly, it is essential to maintain a clear and accurate record. The recommended method is to draw a single line through the error, write the word "error," and then initial it. This approach ensures that the original information is still visible, which is vital for transparency and accountability in medical documentation.

Using this method allows anyone reviewing the record to see what was incorrect and how it was corrected, thus preserving the integrity of the medical record. This practice is crucial in healthcare settings, where maintaining accurate and complete documentation is essential for patient safety, treatment continuity, and legal compliance.

Other methods, such as writing a new entry to explain the error, erasing the mistake, or using white-out, do not provide adequate clarity or transparency about the original mistake. Writing a new entry may create confusion about the chronology of events, while erasing or covering up the mistake entirely removes any trace of the error, which is not acceptable in professional documentation practices.