Final answer:
Patient identification errors can result from a change in a patient's identifying attributes. This can have serious consequences, including misdiagnosis and patient mix-ups. Healthcare providers need to implement robust systems to ensure accurate patient identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patient identification errors can result from a change in a patient's identifying attributes such as name,address, or phone number. These errors can have serious consequences, including misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, or patient mix-ups. For example, if a patient's name is misspelled in medical records, it can lead to confusion and potential harm if the wrong treatment is administered.
Identity theft is also a concern in healthcare, as someone may wrongfully use a patient's personal information for fraudulent purposes. This can lead to financial loss and damage to a patient's reputation.
It is crucial for healthcare providers to have robust systems and protocols in place to ensure accurate patient identification, such as verifying patient information at each encounter and using unique identifiers like medical record numbers or biometric data.