Standardized patient identification and specimen labeling: A retrospective analysis on improving patient safety

摘要: Background There is an increased risk of specimen labeling errors with the generation a high volume pathology specimens. Measuring accuracy has been suggested as possible measure for patient safety. Objective We sought to identify operational areas improvement around handling institution standardized protocol in Duke University Medical Center Department Dermatology. The average rates events before and after implementation this were analyzed determine efficacy systematic approach. Methods collected monthly aggregated occurring skin specimens processed through Pathology from December 2008 June 2011. per 1000 cases time periods March 2010 September 2011 compared. Results data showed statistically significant decline rate protocol. Before implementation, occurred at 5.79 decrease 3.53 integration system ( P  = .028). Limitations study include sampling error regression toward mean. Conclusions Low-cost, process-driven interventions are effective reduction errors.