Improving Quality and Safety through Positive Patient Identification

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Patient Identification
• Medical Error Prevention

Background:

• Patient misidentification is a recognized contributor to medication, surgical, and charting errors by the World Health Organization.
• National standards for patient identification have been established by Accreditation Canada and The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current patient identification practices in key hospital areas.
• To identify discrepancies between existing practices and established policies.
• To highlight opportunities for improving patient verification processes.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative and observational evaluation was conducted.
• Practices were assessed in the Pre-Admission Clinic, Admitting Department, and Perioperative Care Center.
• Patient verification occurrences were analyzed for policy compliance.

Main Results:

• Significant confusion in patient identification practices was uncovered.
• 90% (n=55) of patient verification instances did not align with current policies.
• Discrepancies indicate a need for immediate intervention.

Conclusions:

• Current patient identification workflows require reassessment and standardization.
• Clearer guidelines are needed for acceptable identification methods.
• Additional verification practices, including ID bracelets and chart checks, should be explored.