title: Is it possible to eliminate patient identification errors in medical imaging?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to review a system that validates and documents the process of ensuring the correct patient, correct site and side, and correct procedure (commonly referred to as the 3 C's) within medical imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 4-step patient identification and procedure matching process was developed using health care and aviation models. The process was established in medical imaging departments after a successful interventional radiology pilot program. The success of the project was evaluated using compliance audit data, incident reporting data before and after the implementation of the process, and a staff satisfaction survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was 95% to 100% verification of site and side and 100% verification of correct patient, procedure, and consent. Correct patient data and side markers were present in 82% to 95% of cases. The number of incidents before and after the implementation of the 3 C's was difficult to assess because of a change in reporting systems and incident underreporting. More incidents are being reported, particularly "near misses." All near misses were related to incorrect patient identification stickers being placed on request forms. The majority of staff members surveyed found the process easy (55.8%), quick (47.7%), relevant (51.7%), and useful (60.9%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although identification error is difficult to eliminate, practical initiatives can engender significant systems improvement in complex health care environments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging Research and Education, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Cnr Bowen Bridge Road & Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia. brizluke@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Luke A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Danaher
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Howells
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scally
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010361:Patients