When administering medications or treatments, what identifiers should be used according to Goal 1?

Using at least two patient-specific identifiers when administering medications or treatments is essential for ensuring patient safety and reducing the risk of errors. This practice helps to accurately confirm each patient's identity, which is crucial in preventing mix-ups and ensuring that the correct patient receives the appropriate treatment.

According to the National Patient Safety Goals, effective patient identification is a foundational aspect of safe healthcare practices. Patient-specific identifiers can include information such as a patient's full name, date of birth, or an assigned identification number. Utilizing more than one identifier enhances the reliability of the identification process, as relying solely on a single identifier can lead to errors if there are similar names or if a patient has been assigned to multiple rooms.

In contrast, using only a single identifier, such as just the patient's name, does not provide sufficient information to avoid errors. Relying on room numbers or locations can be misleading, as patients might change rooms, and this method does not directly confirm identity. While information from electronic health records is valuable, it is typically used in conjunction with patient-specific identifiers rather than in place of them. Overall, employing at least two identifiers as outlined in Goal 1 of the National Patient Safety Goals exemplifies a commitment to patient safety and improves the quality of care provided.