Before performing any care treatment, how many patient identifiers should you use?

Using at least two patient identifiers before performing any care treatment is crucial for ensuring patient safety and preventing errors. This practice is a standard part of patient identification protocols in healthcare settings. By using two identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of misidentifying the patient, which can lead to incorrect treatments or medication administration.

This two-identifier approach helps verify that the right patient receives the correct interventions and enhances overall communication among healthcare staff. It is part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare quality and safety, reducing the likelihood of adverse events related to misidentification.

In contrast, using only one identifier or relying solely on the patient's name or room number does not provide sufficient verification and increases the risk of errors. Thus, employing a robust identification method with at least two identifiers is an essential practice in patient care.