Analysis of the implementation of patient identification in inpatient care

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes mandatory patient safety goals to be implemented in all hospitals to reduce patient safety incidents and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Implementing patient identification in inpatient settings aimed to improve patient safety, minimize the risk of medical errors, and improve operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. Methods: The research was classified as qualitative and utilizes a case study methodology. Data was gathered by conducting in-depth interviews with all healthcare professionals (HPs) who offer services at the hospital. Data validation was performed by employing triangulation, which involves conducting patient interviews, making observations, and studying regulatory documents. Results: The interview findings from HPs revealed that the key themes that have emerged include patient identity, timeliness of patient identification, the procedure of patient identification, and patient identification in unique circumstances. Contributing aspects to the application of identification were workplace culture, hospital rules, and socialization. Workload, unique features of HPs, facilities, and patients were all elements that could hinder the process of identification. Conclusion: Based on the conducted research, patient identification has been effectively implemented in the inpatient setting in terms of HP's knowledge, execution of patient identification, and regulatory document completeness.