User:Lbuser/Patient identification

Patient identification wristband used by hospitals

Patient identification is used to supply information on patients undergoing medical care. With the aid of patient identification wristbands, health care providers can efficiently and effectively identify a patient and then administer care.

Patient identification methods

Example of laser-printed patient identification

Hosptial wristbands are among the most popular patient identification methods. Patient information can be handwritten, embossed, laser-printed or thermal-imaged on hospital wristbands. Laser printing and thermal imaging, the latest wristband technologies, have the added advantages of producing clear, readable patient identification that supports fonts, colors and bar codes for improved patient safety through electronic patient and medication tracking.

File:LaserBand FusionBand Printing.jpg

Example of thermal-imaged patient identification

Patient identification requirements

Patient identification should contain information that helps reliably identify the individual for whom the care is intended and permits the service or treatment to be matched back to that individual. In 2007, the Joint Commission’s #1 goal was to improve the accuracy of patient identification through the use of at least two patient identifiers when care, treatment or services were being provided.

Examples of patient identifiers include patient name, medical record number, date of birth, doctor name and bar codes. In England and Wales, the National Patient Safety Agency issued a Safer Practice Notice in July 2007 stating patient wristbands used by NHS facilties should meet the NPSA's design requirements, and only include the core patient identifiers of last name, first name, date of birth, and NHS number.

See also

• hosptial wristbands
• bar codes
• patient safety
• Joint Commission

External links

• Joint Commission's Patient Safety Page
• NHS National Patient Safety Agency
• Laser-printed patient identification
• FusionBand thermal-imaged patient identification
• Patient identification videos