Final answer:
Acceptable identifiers according to National Patient Safety Goals include full name and date of birth, and unique identification numbers, with concerns for individual privacy taken into consideration. Addresses and solely social security numbers are not preferred sole identifiers. Policies must address balancing treatment costs, quality of life, and privacy risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Patient Safety Goals, acceptable identifiers that can be used for patient identification include full name and date of birth of the patient, and a unique identification number assigned to the patient. Social security numbers can also be used in some instances, but this may raise concerns about risks to individual privacy. The address of the patient is not generally considered an acceptable sole identifier, as it is not unique enough and is subject to change. Ensuring patient safety also involves verifying the patient's identity prior to procedures, being aware of any known allergies, and correctly labeling specimens with the patient's name.
In the development of policies that balance treatment costs, patient quality of life, and privacy risks, it is important to address certain questions. These might include: How can we ensure accuracy in health records while protecting privacy? What measures can we take to minimize the risks of treatment costs affecting the patient's quality of life? How do we guarantee that patients receive the correct treatment while safeguarding their personal information?