It is no secret that patient identification errors can have catastrophic consequences. To minimize the risk of these mistakes, hospitals and clinics must take several steps to protect patients’ identities. However, by following these simple tips below, you can help ensure that workers identify your patients correctly every time.
10 Ways to Prevent Patient Identification Errors:
1. Using 2 Identifiers
The most critical step in patient identification is using two identifiers when verifying a patient’s identity. This means that when a worker registers a patient in the system, they must use two forms of identification. The two forms of identification can be an ID card and a birth certificate, or a Social Security number and a driver’s license.
2. Checking the Patient’s Identification Band
When a hospital admits a patient, they provide an identification band that includes their name, photograph, and other vital information. All healthcare workers must check the patient’s ID band before administering any treatments.
3. Making Sure the Patient’s Information is Correct
All the patients’ information in the hospital’s system must be correct. This includes their name, date of birth, address, and insurance information. To ensure that this information is accurate, the hospital should verify when they first admitted the patient and then continue to do this periodically throughout their stay.
4. Scanning the Patient’s Barcode
Many hospitals implemented barcoding technology to help prevent patient identification errors. When they admit a patient, workers can scan their barcode and enter their information into the system. They then use this barcode to verify the patient’s identity whenever they give medication or treatment.
5. Checking the Patient’s Wristband
In addition to an ID band, many hospitals also give patients a wristband with their names and other essential information. Workers then use this wristband to verify the patient’s identity when they give medication or treatment.
6. Using the Patient’s Medical Record Number
Another way to verify a patient’s identity is by using their medical record number. The hospital assigns this number when they first admit a patient and use it to access their medical records.
7. Training All Employees –
The hospital should train all employees, from the front desk staff to the nurses and doctors, on how to correctly verify patients’ identities. This training should include a review of the hospital’s identification procedures and how to use the various methods of verification.
8. Checking the Patient’s Identification Card
If a patient has an identification card, such as a driver’s license or state ID, workers can use these to verify their identity. Workers should check the ID against the hospital’s records to make sure it is up-to-date and accurate.
9. Calling the Patient’s Family or Friends
If there is any doubt about a patient’s identity, the hospital can call their family or friends to confirm their identity. Workers often do this when a patient is unable to communicate due to their condition.
10. Establishing a Standardized Protocol
All hospitals and clinics need to have a standardized protocol for verifying patients’ identities. This will help to ensure that all patients are correctly identified and that the same procedures are followed each time.
Conclusion
Patient identification errors can have grave consequences, so hospitals and clinics need to take steps to prevent them. By using two identifiers, checking the patient’s ID band, and making sure all the information in the hospital’s system is correct, workers can ensure they are identifying patients correctly. The hospital can also use barcoding technology to verify patients’ identities. Furthermore, if there is ever any doubt about a patient’s identity, the hospital can call their family or friends to confirm their identity.
Following the hospital’s identification procedures is also important. By taking these steps, you can help prevent patient identification errors.
