Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which of the following describes Meta data?

1. Data that describes other data

2. Data related to patient outcomes

3. Financial data regarding healthcare costs

4. Clinical data from health records

The correct answer is: Data that describes other data

Meta data is accurately defined as data that describes other data. This concept is essential in information management, particularly in healthcare, as it provides context for interpreting, storing, and retrieving data. For instance, meta data can include details such as the source of the data, the time it was collected, the format in which it is stored, and the definitions of various data elements. This allows healthcare professionals and systems to understand the origin and quality of the data they are working with, ensuring better data governance and compliance with regulatory standards. The other options focus on specific types of data but do not encompass the broader definition of meta data. Patient outcome data pertains specifically to the results of healthcare interventions, financial data surrounds costs and expenditures, and clinical data relates to patient health records, including diagnoses and treatments. While these data types are critical in their own right, they do not clarify or describe other data, which is the defining characteristic of meta data.