Summary
Objectives: To identify current patient identification techniques and approaches used worldwide
in today’s healthcare environment. To identify challenges associated with improper
patient identification.
Methods: A literature review of relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature published from
January 2015 to October 2019 was conducted to inform the paper. The focus was on:
1) patient identification techniques and 2) unintended consequences and ramifications
of unresolved patient identification issues.
Results: The literature review showed six common patient identification techniques implemented
worldwide ranging from unique patient identifiers, algorithmic approaches, referential
matching software, biometrics, radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems,
and hybrid models. The review revealed three themes associated with unresolved patient
identification: 1) treatment, care delivery, and patient safety errors, 2) cost and
resource considerations, and 3) data sharing and interoperability challenges.
Conclusions: Errors in patient identification have implications for patient care and safety,
payment, as well as data sharing and interoperability. Different patient identification
techniques ranging from unique patient identifiers and algorithms to hybrid models
have been implemented worldwide. However, no current patient identification techniques
have resulted in a 100% match rate. Optimizing algorithmic matching through data standardization
and referential matching software should be studied further to identify opportunities
to enhance patient identification techniques and approaches. Further efforts to improve
patient identity management include adoption of patients’ photos at registration,
naming conventions, and standardized processes for recording patients’ demographic
data attributes.
Keywords
Patient identity - patient matching - identification errors - patient identification
systems - patient records linkage
