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CBBS: Improving the process of patient identification - 2003 update

Several colleagues have expressed concern over the process of patient identification and how breakdowns in that process can lead to fatal transfusion reactions. See the following links for background and for links to several germane discussions:

For those interested in this thorny problem, please see also the goal #1 of the special report entitled '2003 JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals' which describes the first of six JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) which will become effective January 1, 2003. For example, according to NPSG #1, by January 1, 2003, your organization should be able to demonstrate how it is meeting the goal of improving the accuracy of patient identification.

ADDENDA Jan. 8, 2006

1. Editor's NOTE: The article by Dzik WH, Technology for enhanced transfusion safety. Hematology (Am Soc Hematol Educ Program). 2005;:476-82 is germane to this discussion.

Please submit comments to the e-Network Forum.

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
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Posted: December 30, 2002

Addenda: Jan. 8, 2006

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