Medical and legal aspects of patient identification

Abstract

Purpose. Highlighting the medical and legal aspects of patient identification in a specialized medical institution. Materials and methods. The materials of the expert assessment of the patient identification process in a medical organization have been studied: regulatory and methodological acts; medical records; data of direct observation of the processes of medical activity, interviews of medical personnel and patients; special literature selected from medical information databases. Results. It has been established that patient identification is carried out in accordance with international recommendations; within the framework of the current national regulations. The patient identification algorithm is performed by all medical professionals at all stages of medical care. At the same time, omissions were noted in the actions of medical personnel, which in an emergency situation could cause a real mistake — unintentional harm to the patient. Conclusions. Developing a patient safety culture in a medical organization and implementing a system that ensures correct patient identification helps to reduce the number of errors associated with it and the associated medical and legal consequences.