“in a digital era of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, patient identification proves increasingly complex,” stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. “Effective information governance can improve accuracy while addressing common risks and challenges.”

Below are a few excerpts from the article, “Patient Identification Crucial to Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare.”

“For example, when registering a patient with heart complications, a hospital employee found two patient records associated with the same EHR. Assuming one of the records was a mistake, they ignored it. However, two records for patients with the same name and similar birthdates had been mistakenly merged into the same EHR.”

“Not realizing the mistake, the hospital prescribed medication based on the second patient’s information. Because they did not properly verify patient identity, the patient receiving the medication suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction. The problem would have been avoided with proper patient verification and matching.”

Prevent Errors with Standardized Processes and Training

“To begin with, healthcare organizations must define and enforce standardized policies and procedures around patient registration and EHR management. This includes collecting and updating data. It also includes the processes around resolving duplicates, as well as protecting and sharing information.”

Improve Access Management

“It also includes authentication processes to verify the identity of anyone accessing the EHR. Laws like the Cures Act mandate that healthcare entities facilitate the access and exchange of electronic health information (EHI). To balance access with advanced data security, however, systems need to definitively verify that those who access EHI are who they claim to be.”

Information Governance Experts

By providing a framework for managing information throughout its lifecycle, information governance helps healthcare organizations ensure data quality, security, and compliance. Implementing an effective information governance strategy requires blending policies and practices with technology and training. Providers should contact the information governance experts at Messaging Architects to start gaining control of critical patient data.

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About Messaging Architects

Messaging Architects specializes in effectively managing and securing an organization’s most precious asset, its information. With over 20 years of information management and technology consulting experience, the Messaging Architects team has provided corporations, educational intuitions, health care facilities and nonprofits with methodologies, procedures, and technology to keep their data organized, compliant and secure.

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzanti’s team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, expertly providing advanced business cyber security, retail and payment technology, digital marketing services, AI, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 24×7 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support.

eMazzanti’s consistent growth landed them on the Inc. 5000 list 9X. Recognized as a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP, NJ Business of the Year, and 5X WatchGuard Partner of the Year, the company excels as a trusted outsourced IT partner! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, [email protected] or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies.

Media Contact

Kent Sorensen, Messaging Architects, 14803345403, [email protected], www.messagingarchitects.com

SOURCE Messaging Architects