Patient identification errors and HIT: Friend or foe?

Abstract

Strategies are explored to reduce patient identification errors, with an explicit focus on the interface between staffand health information technology (HIT), including the electronic medical record (EMR). Three proximate causes of HIT-related patient identification errors are profiled including analysis and strategies to address each of these safety risks. Strategies include an interruption in the ordering sequence that requires verification of the patient’s identity, personal error prevention practices, and medication bar code scanning. Case studies demonstrate the power of technology to impact care delivery in both positive and negative ways.