How can an error in a hard copy record be corrected?

Drawing a single line through the incorrect entry is the appropriate method for correcting an error in a hard copy record because this practice maintains the integrity of the original documentation. It allows the original entry to be visible while clearly indicating that it is incorrect. This method also provides a reliable audit trail, which is important in health records management.

When using this approach, it’s essential to place the date of the correction and possibly initial the change to indicate who made the correction. This practice adheres to guidelines that ensure clarity and transparency in medical records, which are crucial for patient safety and legal purposes.

Other methods, such as obliterating the incorrect entry, can create confusion by removing the original information, and severing the entry and storing it separately is not standard practice as it can complicate record-keeping and access. The emphasis on retaining original entries while marking them as incorrect supports the best practices in health information management.