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Patient identifiers: stumbling blocks or cornerstones for CPRs (computer-based patient records)?
Summary
Patient identification for electronic health records faces challenges. Alternatives to the Social Security number (SSN) are explored due to legal and accessibility issues, offering potential solutions for accurate patient data management.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Medical Record Management
Background:
- The widespread adoption of computer-based patient records (CPR) is hindered by unresolved patient identification issues.
- The Social Security number (SSN) is a potential identifier but faces legal scrutiny and is not universally held.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and identify viable alternatives to the Social Security number (SSN) for patient identification in electronic health record systems.
- To gather insights from experts involved in healthcare computerization regarding patient identification solutions.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative approach was employed, involving discussions with key stakeholders in healthcare informatics.
- Expert opinions and insights were solicited regarding the challenges and potential alternatives for patient identification.
Main Results:
- The study highlights significant unresolved issues with using the Social Security number (SSN) for patient identification.
- Discussions revealed various perspectives on alternative identifiers, suggesting potential pathways forward.
Conclusions:
- Relying solely on the Social Security number (SSN) for patient identification in electronic health records is problematic.
- Further investigation into alternative identification mechanisms is crucial for the successful implementation of comprehensive computer-based patient records.