How should you correct an incorrect entry on a patient's chart?

When correcting an incorrect entry in a patient's chart, it’s essential to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the medical record, ensuring that all corrections are clearly documented. The correct method involves drawing a single line through the erroneous entry, dating it, signing it, and adding a note that states "error." This approach preserves the original entry while providing a clear indication of the change made. It allows for transparency about the mistake and ensures that anyone reviewing the chart can see what was originally documented as well as the correction.

This method aligns with best practices in medical record keeping, which emphasize maintaining an auditable record and preventing any potential confusion. By providing your signature and date, you are also affirming the validity of the correction, which is critical in clinical settings for accountability and compliance with regulatory standards.