2.14 patient mix up

Case Study 2.14 Patient Mix Up

A important criteria I would include in the policy at registration and in the examination room would be to use image verification from the patient record or the admission record. Patients have to have some form of an ID or something similar with their picture on it. I would also encourage the use of electronic verification as it is now much more reliable then it was years ago. Another criteria I would suggest would be to cross check and double check the first and last names of the patient and which physician they are here to see in order to prevent errors. Even if it seems not needed, using the last name can cut down on errors as seen in the Karen situation. Another thing that may help is when you call the patients first name and they walk up, just say the first and last name before taking them back to avoid irritating the patient by bringing them to a room and then making them wait. The person bringing them back could also ask which doctor they are there to see while they are walking back and doing intake. Another thing is writing the first and last name on the front of the door in front of the patient, that make cut down on errors. Lastly all employees must be strictly adhering to the rules and policies of the protocol set by the hospital.