Patient identification errors are among the most frequent and serious errors impacting healthcare systems across all settings. These occur when one patient is mistaken for another, leading to incorrect medications or doses being administered, inappropriate procedures, misdiagnoses, inaccurate billing and more.
These errors can have serious consequences for the patient as well as the facility. For example, a dosing error can cause patient harm or even death, loss of public trust, potential legal problems, and loss of morale among staff.
Fortunately, most patient mix-up errors are preventable. The most common cause tends to be working in a hectic, fast-paced environment. Other risk factors include inadequate training, divided attention, managing multiple patients simultaneously, fatigue, or working while unwell.
Consistent patient verification practices are key to prevention. Always identify the patient using the medical record number or unique patient ID first, then verify the animal’s name and species. This step helps avoid confusion between patients with similar names or appearances and creates a built-in double-check for accuracy.
Minimizing workplace distractions and avoiding multitasking during critical moments, such as medication administration, anesthesia, or treatment planning, is essential. When the clinic environment becomes overwhelming, it’s important to pause, slow down, and stay mindful.
Investing in comprehensive training for all veterinary team members, from reception to technicians to veterinarians, reinforces a culture of safety. Everyone must understand their role in patient identification and feel empowered to speak up when something doesn’t seem right.
While these safety steps may feel repetitive or time-consuming, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. A few extra seconds to confirm patient identity can prevent serious consequences and preserve the trust of both your clients and your team.
By Erin White, PharmD
