Implications of Patient Identification Errors Essay by Master Researcher

This paper discusses the issue of patient identification in hospital which seems as inoculate as the solution. Patient identification is based on the assumption that whatever information the patient or family accompanying the patient is correct and true. On the other hand, another assumption held is that hospital record-keeping is accurate and infallible. The paper further discusses how falsified information provided by patient or family to conceal his/her identity may just be as widespread as clerical errors. With the computerization of medical records, errors may be minimized and with the relative ease of cross-validating identity utilizing electronic databases (should the need arise, but otherwise a breach of patient confidentiality), falsified data can be detected. However, the factor of human clerical error is still a significant possibility. This becomes a serious matter when medical and surgical interventions come into play.