Which two identifiers are recommended for patient identification?

The recommendation to use full name and date of birth as identifiers for patient identification is grounded in their effectiveness in reducing errors and ensuring patient safety. The full name is a primary identifier that links the patient to their medical record, and it is crucial for matching the individual to their personal and health information accurately. The date of birth serves as an additional distinguishing feature, particularly in situations where patients may have similar names. This combination helps to confirm the identity of the patient, minimizes the risk of mix-ups, and protects patient privacy.

In contrast, while other options include identifiers that may be used in healthcare settings, they are not as effective or universally applicable for patient identification. For example, using a patient ID number is specific to an organization and may not be recognized outside of that system. Address and phone numbers can lead to confusion, as they can change frequently and may not unequivocally identify a patient. Social security numbers, while unique to individuals, carry privacy concerns and are not commonly used in clinical settings for identification due to the risk of identity theft. Insurance providers might not be unique identifiers either, as multiple patients may share the same provider or insurance plan. Thus, the combination of full name and date of birth remains the best practice for patient identification in healthcare