Patient identification standards are one area of the current National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) that is likely to evolve significantly in the coming years. The current NPSGs emphasize using at least two identifiers (such as name and date of birth) to verify patient identity before providing care, administering medications, or performing procedures (The Joint Commission, 2025). Currently, most hospitals use a scanner, where health care staff scans the patient’s bracelet, then asks the patient to verify the information. However, with ongoing technological advancements, particularly biometric identification and artificial intelligence (AI), we can expect a shift toward more secure and automated methods of ensuring accurate patient identification.

Biometric technology such as facial recognition, iris scanning, or fingerprinting is already being piloted in many healthcare systems and has shown promise in reducing errors due to misidentification. McKenna et al. (2022) states that biometric identification can significantly reduce duplicate records and wrong-patient errors in inpatient and outpatient settings. As this technology becomes more affordable and accessible, biometric scanning will likely be integrated into hospital registration systems, medication-dispensing units, and bedside care verification (McKenna et al. 2022). While I don’t think AI will be able to replace human components in healthcare, I do believe that in the coming years, we will see the integration of AI in safety measures.

AI and machine learning may soon enhance real-time alert systems that flag inconsistencies in patient data or unusual access to patient records, thereby adding another layer of security and safety. For example, ventilators could use this to find real-time patterns or EKGs in real time to pre-emptively alert staff of distress. This predictive technology could complement biometric identification to create a more comprehensive and proactive patient safety approach. However, I can also see that these could cause staff alarm fatigue if they are inaccurate and always alarming. As these technologies are implemented, the Joint Commission may revise the patient identification standards to reflect these changes, possibly requiring biometric or digital verification as an additional or primary form of identification. This evolution would reduce the risk of wrong-patient errors, particularly in large healthcare systems with complex workflows.

Thank you to everyone!

Rachael

References:

McKenna, M., Kruse, C. S., & Nwankwo, E. (2022). Use of biometric systems in patient identification: A systematic review. Health Information Management Journal, 51 (2), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1177/18333583211030409

The Joint Commission. (2025). National Patient Safety Goals . https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/national-patient-safety-goals/