What are potential consequences of poor data management in healthcare?

Poor data management in healthcare can lead to compromised patient safety, which underscores the critical nature of accurate and accessible patient information. When healthcare data is poorly managed, it may result in incomplete, incorrect, or outdated information being available to healthcare providers. This can lead to numerous risks, such as administering the wrong medication, misdiagnosis, or inadequate treatments, which can severely harm patients' health outcomes.

Furthermore, poor data management can also impact care coordination, leading to communication failures among providers and interruptions in patient care. In essence, reliable data management is crucial in ensuring that healthcare providers have the correct, timely information needed to make informed decisions that prioritize patient safety and effectiveness in delivering care.