What Is Audit Trail Analysis?
What Is Audit Trail Analysis—and Why Is It Critical for Legal Cases?
When attorneys handle complex medical cases, the story told by the official medical record is only part of the picture. Enter audit trail analysis—a powerful tool that reveals the hidden truth behind electronic medical records (EMR).
What Is Audit Trail Analysis?
Audit trail analysis is the process of examining the digital footprints left whenever someone accesses, views, or edits a patient’s electronic medical record. Every click, entry, and change is logged—creating a detailed record of who did what, when, and sometimes even why.
Why Audit Trails Matter in Legal Cases
Standard medical records can miss or even hide critical details. Audit trails provide a transparent, chronological account of:
Who accessed the records and when
What specific information was viewed or modified
What actions were taken (entries, deletions, edits)
Any attempts to alter or hide information
This level of detail is invaluable for attorneys, especially in malpractice, personal injury, or criminal cases where the timeline and integrity of medical documentation are in question.
Real-World Impact
Audit trail analysis can uncover:
Unauthorized access to patient records
Late entries made after the fact
Altered or deleted information
Gaps between care provided and what was recorded
These findings can make or break a case—supporting pointed discovery, stronger legal theories, and ultimately, better outcomes for your clients.
When Should Attorneys Request Audit Trail Analysis?
If you suspect missing information, inconsistencies in the timeline, or questionable documentation, audit trail analysis should be a top priority. This service is especially powerful in:
Medical malpractice lawsuits
Nursing home negligence cases
Criminal cases with a medical component
Any situation where the integrity of the medical record is in doubt
Ready to See What’s Hidden?
At Tactical Legal Nurse Consulting, we specialize in uncovering the truth behind the records. Our audit trail analysis services deliver clear, actionable reports—helping legal teams build stronger cases, faster.