What is the standard practice for patient identification before a procedure?

The standard practice for patient identification before a procedure is to verify their identity with two identifiers. This practice is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure the safety and correct treatment of patients. Using two identifiers helps to significantly reduce the risk of errors, such as giving the wrong treatment or medication to the wrong patient.

Typically, the two identifiers can include the patient's name and date of birth, or a combination of their name and medical record number. This method not only promotes accuracy but also aligns with established protocols mandated by health organizations to enhance patient safety.

Relying solely on just the patient's name could lead to confusion in a hospital with multiple patients sharing the same name. Checking an ID badge alone might not be sufficient either, as patients could misplace them, leading to potential misidentification. Similarly, using a room number is not a reliable identifier, since room assignments can change and multiple patients may be in the same area at different times.

Thus, the practice of using two identifiers serves as a comprehensive and robust approach to ensuring that the right patient receives the right care.