Increasing patient safety using positive patient identification and bedside specimen scanning

Abstract

<p>A hospital located in the Northeastern United States, has an opportunity to improve the number of specimens that are mislabeled. Mislabeled specimens increase costs, create patient inconvenience and can lead to unnecessary treatment, lack of treatment or even death (Stein et al., 2011). This paper discusses the impact of bedside specimen scanning as it relates to the reduction and elimination of specimen collection errors. Five pre and post intervention studies were reviewed to determine if a positive patient identification application could reduce mislabeled specimens. Error rates were calculated prior to the implementation of the intervention. After implementation, the mislabeled specimens were once again determined and compared to the pre-implementation error rates. Evidence depicts a decrease in specimen errors or the ability to completely eliminate specimen errors related to patient identification using a barcode scanning application for positive patient identification (Brown, Smith &amp; Sherfy, 2011; Hill et al., 2010; Morrison et al, 2010; Ning et al., 2016; Spain et al., 2010). Two studies depicted the possibilities of staff workarounds which could increase mislabeled specimen rates. However, both issues were addressed eliminating the workarounds and once again decreasing the mislabeled specimen (Hill et al., 2010; Spain et al., 2012). In conclusion, using bedside specimen scanning technology is effective in the reduction of mislabeled specimens (Brown, Smith &amp; Sherfy, 2011; Hill et al., 2010; Morrison et al, 2010; Ning et al., 2016; Spain et al., 2010). Reducing mislabeled specimens will lead to an increase in patient safety, and improve patient quality of care while decreasing healthcare expenses associated with patient harm or mortality (Brown, Smith &amp; Sherfy, 2011; Hill et al., 2010; Morrison et al, 2010; Ning et al., 2016; Spain et al., 2010).</p>