Which of the following is considered a secondary purpose of the health record?

The correct answer identifies supporting research as a secondary purpose of the health record. In healthcare, while the primary purpose of a health record is to document and facilitate patient care delivery, the information contained within these records can also be utilized for broader objectives.

Research is a significant secondary purpose because it relies on the details documented in health records to analyze health trends, treatment outcomes, and the effectiveness of interventions. Researchers use de-identified data from health records to conduct studies that can lead to improved healthcare practices, disease treatment protocols, and public health initiatives. This aligns with the aim of enhancing overall health system performance and patient outcomes based on evidence gathered from real-world data.

The other purposes listed, while important, are primarily focused on immediate patient care or administrative functions rather than the broader aspects of understanding and advancing medical knowledge.