title: Improving Quality and Safety through Positive Patient Identification.
abstract: The World Health Organization recognizes that patient misidentification can contribute to medication, surgical and charting errors. Accreditation Canada has set national standards and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has listed patient identification as a national patient safety goal. A qualitative and observational evaluation of patient identification practices in the Pre-Admission Clinic, Admitting Department and the Perioperative Care Center uncovered confusion, with 90% (n = 55) of patient verification occurrences not matching current policies. These discrepancies identify an opportunity to reassess and standardize workflow, clarify what identification methods are acceptable and determine additional appropriate identification verification practices with ID bracelets and patient charts.
authors.affiliation: Human Factors Intern at Vancouver Coastal Health during this project. Currently, she is a Leader in Quality, Patient Safety and Accreditation at BC Emergency Health Services.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Allison Muniak is a Human Factors Specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Muniak
authors.affiliation: Human Factors Specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health during this project. Currently, she is a Senior Program Engineer with ORBIS International.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rothwell
authors.affiliation: Was the Executive Director for Quality and Patient Safety, and Community Engagement for Vancouver Coastal Health during this project. Currently, she is the Vice-President of Collaborative Practice, Nursing and Health Professions at Alberta Health Services.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dempster
authors.affiliation: Director of Clinical Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control for Vancouver Coastal Health.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Per
authors.affiliation: Patient Care Coordinator for the Perioperative Care Center/Blood Utilization Program at Vancouver Coastal Health.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Barr
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D010355:Patient Identification Systems / Q000379:methods*; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration