What are the two patient identifiers used at GHS?

According to The Joint Commission, using at least two patient identifiers is a fundamental patient safety goal to prevent medical errors. This protocol is a standard of care at healthcare systems nationwide, including at GHS, now known as Prisma Health.

Quick Summary

The two primary patient identifiers used at hospitals following accredited safety protocols, such as Prisma Health (formerly GHS), are the patient's full name and their date of birth. These are verified before any treatment or procedure to ensure patient safety and accuracy.

Key Points

• Core Identifiers: At GHS (Prisma Health) and most hospitals, the two key patient identifiers are the patient's full name and date of birth.

• Mandatory Rule: The Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals, mandates using at least two identifiers to reduce medical errors.

• Verification Process: Healthcare providers must verbally confirm your full name and date of birth and cross-reference it with your wristband and medical record.

• Patient Participation: Patients are encouraged to be active participants in their safety by confirming their identity and questioning if any step is missed.

• Enhanced Technology: Beyond basic identifiers, hospitals also use unique medical record numbers (MRNs), barcodes, and sometimes biometrics for secure patient identification.

• High-Risk Situations: The two-identifier rule is especially critical before procedures, medication administration, and blood transfusions.

Why Patient Identification is a Critical Patient Safety Measure

Patient identification is crucial for safe healthcare. Misidentification can lead to severe errors, such as wrong procedures or medications. Using multiple identifiers significantly reduces these risks. Organizations like The Joint Commission set National Patient Safety Goals that require healthcare providers to use at least two ways to identify a patient to improve accuracy. All hospital staff are responsible for this verification.

The Two Core Patient Identifiers at Prisma Health (formerly GHS)

Hospitals following safety goals, like Prisma Health (formerly GHS), use specific identifiers. The two core identifiers that are widely accepted and used are:

• Patient's Full Name: This includes the complete first, middle, and last name to help distinguish individuals.
• Date of Birth: This provides a second unique piece of information. Combining these two identifiers greatly lowers the chance of errors compared to using just one.

How These Identifiers Are Used in Practice

Before providing care, staff verify the patient's identity by:

1. Checking the Wristband: Comparing the patient's wristband information (name and date of birth) with their medical record.
2. Verbal Confirmation: Asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth.
3. Cross-Verification: Confirming the verbal information against the wristband and the electronic health record (EHR). This process helps ensure the correct patient receives the correct care. Special procedures exist for patients unable to communicate verbally.

Comparison of Patient Identification Methods

Reliable identifiers are essential. The table below compares acceptable identifiers with those that are unreliable:

Acceptable Identifiers	Unacceptable Identifiers (Use with caution or avoid)
Full Name	Room Number
Date of Birth	Bed Number
Medical Record Number (MRN)	Patient Diagnosis
Telephone Number	Labeled Clothing
Barcoded Wristband (with two identifiers)	Asking "Are you Mr. Smith?"

Using identifiers like room or bed numbers is unreliable because patients can move within the facility, leading to potential errors.

Beyond the Basics: Electronic and Supplementary Identifiers

Modern healthcare uses additional methods to improve patient identification accuracy.

Medical Record Numbers (MRNs)

Each patient is assigned a unique Medical Record Number (MRN) within a healthcare system. This number is a highly reliable identifier for managing medical records.

Barcode and RFID Technology

Many facilities use barcoded wristbands that are scanned before procedures or medications to electronically confirm identity and treatment plans, reducing human error. Some systems use RFID tags for tracking.

Biometric Identifiers

Biometric methods, like fingerprint scans, are beginning to be used in some hospitals for highly accurate and unique identification.

The Patient's Active Role in Their Own Safety

Patients play a vital role in their safety by:

1. Confirming Information: Clearly stating their full name and date of birth when asked.
2. Wearing the Wristband: Keeping their identification wristband on at all times in the hospital.
3. Asking Questions: Speaking up if there is any doubt about the verification process.
4. Engaging with the Process: Confirming identity with each new caregiver or before any new procedure.

Conclusion: The Mandate for Safety

The use of two patient identifiers, primarily full name and date of birth, is a mandatory safety practice in healthcare, including at Prisma Health (formerly GHS). Adhering to guidelines from organizations like The Joint Commission is crucial. Patients and providers working together on this verification process helps ensure accurate and safe care.

Visit The Joint Commission Website for Patient Safety Goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do hospitals need two identifiers instead of just one?

Using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, dramatically reduces the chance of misidentification. While many people might share the same name, it is highly unlikely they will also have the exact same birthdate, making the combination a much stronger verification tool.

What if the patient is unconscious or unable to speak?

For patients who cannot verbally confirm their identity, like unconscious or infant patients, healthcare staff follow specific institutional protocols. This often involves using a unique assigned medical record number and/or confirming information with a family member or guardian, along with the patient's wristband.

Is GHS still the official name?

No, the Greenville Hospital System (GHS) was renamed Prisma Health in 2019. However, the commitment to patient safety and adherence to standard protocols, including the use of two identifiers, remains the same under the new name.

Why is a room number not a valid identifier?

A patient's room or bed number is not a reliable identifier because patients can be moved frequently within a hospital, especially if their condition changes. Reliance on a room number could lead to a provider accidentally treating the wrong patient.

Do I need to repeat my identifiers every time a new person sees me?

Yes, for safety purposes, you will be asked to confirm your identity by providing your name and date of birth before any care is administered, even if you have spoken with that provider before. This is a mandated protocol to ensure continuous accuracy.

Can I use my Social Security number as an identifier?

While a Social Security number is a unique identifier, it is typically not used for routine patient identification due to heightened security concerns and the risk of identity theft. Hospitals rely on less sensitive but equally unique identifiers like medical record numbers.

What is the role of technology, like barcodes, in this process?

Many hospitals use barcode technology on patient wristbands. Before giving medication or a procedure, a provider scans the barcode and their own ID badge. This system automatically cross-references the information with the patient's electronic medical record, adding an extra layer of automated verification to prevent errors.