What type of deficiency involves a serious problem affecting multiple clients or staff members?

The term that best describes a deficiency affecting multiple clients or staff members is known as a patterned deficiency. This type of deficiency indicates that there is a recurring issue that is not isolated or limited to just one instance, but rather represents a broader trend or commonality of problems that can impact several individuals.

A patterned deficiency suggests systemic issues or failings that could be rooted in processes, practices, or training within an organization. By identifying such patterns, organizations can take corrective actions that not only address the immediate concerns but also work towards preventing similar issues from arising in the future. This proactive approach is essential in maintaining the overall quality and safety of service delivery.

In contrast, an isolated deficiency refers to a singular, unique problem that does not reflect a broader issue, while a minor deficiency pertains to less significant problems that may be easily remedied and do not cause widespread impact. Widespread deficiency, although it denotes a broad scope of issues, tends to indicate critical failures affecting the entire organization rather than patterns of occurrence that may suggest a more assessable problem scope.