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Patient Identification Technology
Looking ahead, select one area of the current National Patient Safety Goals program and make a prediction as to what might change in that area based on technological or other advancements. Consider patient identification standards, communication processes, and infection control protocols, among others.
You are required to use and cite a minimum of two references to support your response.
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Patient Identification Technology
Discussion Post: Future Predictions for National Patient Safety Goals
The National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) established by The Joint Commission are designed to continuously improve patient safety by addressing critical issues in health care, such as accurate patient identification, effective communication, and infection control. Looking ahead, one area likely to evolve significantly is patient identification standards, as technology continues to advance in health care delivery.
Currently, patient identification relies on at least two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, to prevent errors in medication administration, diagnostic testing, or procedures. While effective, human error and miscommunication still occur. In the future, I predict the integration of biometric technology—including fingerprint scanning, iris recognition, and facial recognition—will become a standard component of patient identification. These tools provide unique, tamper-proof identifiers that reduce reliance on verbal confirmation, minimize duplicate records, and enhance security of electronic health records.
For example, recent studies have shown that biometric identification can reduce patient mismatches and improve data accuracy, particularly in large health systems with diverse populations (Davis & Shafqat, 2021). In addition, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with biometric systems can further strengthen patient safety by cross-referencing patient records in real time, flagging inconsistencies before errors occur.
Another advancement that could shape the future of patient identification is the use of wearable technology. Smart wristbands equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) or QR codes can provide continuous monitoring of patients, ensuring seamless identification across various departments and reducing the risk of errors during transfers or handoffs. As this technology becomes more affordable, widespread adoption in hospitals and long-term care facilities is increasingly feasible (Zhang et al., 2022).
In conclusion, patient identification standards within the National Patient Safety Goals are likely to transition from manual, human-dependent processes to technology-driven systems. Biometric identifiers and wearable technologies will not only reduce errors but also streamline workflows, enhance data integrity, and strengthen trust in patient safety initiatives. These advancements will ultimately support the overarching goal of NPSGs: reducing harm and improving the quality of care across health systems
References
Davis, Z., & Shafqat, M. (2021). Biometric identification systems in healthcare: Improving patient safety and reducing errors. Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management, 26(4), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.1177/25160435211021064
Zhang, H., Chen, Y., & Kumar, A. (2022). RFID-enabled patient identification and monitoring for safer healthcare delivery. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 165, 104831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104831