What is structured data in health information management?

Structured data in health information management refers to information that is organized in a predefined manner, making it easily searchable and analyzable. This type of data is typically formatted in a consistent way, such as in databases with specific fields and data types, which allows for efficient retrieval and processing.

For example, patient records that include standardized fields like names, dates, lab results, and codes are considered structured data because this information can be easily searched and analyzed using database queries. Structured data enhances the ability to extract meaningful insights and perform analyses that support clinical decision-making and health management.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics of data that do not fit the definition of structured data. Data that is continuous and unmeasured lacks organization, while data without a defined model tends to be unstructured and difficult to analyze. Furthermore, data contained solely in images and audio files is typically categorized as unstructured as well, since this type of information does not follow a consistent format that allows for easy searching and retrieval. Thus, the defining feature of structured data being organized and easily searchable clearly makes the second choice the correct one.