Opinion

The Role of Biometrics in Improving Patient Identification and Safety in Healthcare

Andualem Belachew Workie*

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology 43, Taiwan

Submission: February 11, 2023; Published: March 16, 2023

*Corresponding author: Andualem Belachew Workie, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology 43, Sec. 4 Keelung Road, Taipei 10607, Taiwan

How to cite this article: Andualem Belachew Workie*. The Role of Biometrics in Improving Patient Identification and Safety in Healthcare. Biostat Biom Open Access J. 2022; 11(2): 555806. DOI: 10.19080/BBOAJ.2022.11.555806

Abstract

Keywords: Biometrics; Patient Identification; Iris Scanning

Introduction

Accurate patient identification is critical in healthcare to maintain patient safety and prevent medical mistakes. The application of biometric technology, which involves the measurement and analysis of distinct physical or behavioral features, can give a dependable and effective solution to this problem [1]. Biometric identification systems, such as fingerprint scanning, face recognition, and iris scanning, are becoming more common in healthcare settings because they provide more accuracy and security than traditional methods such as patient ID cards and manual data entry.

Several studies have shown that biometric technologies can help improve patient identification and healthcare results. For example, the use of biometric patient identification has been shown to minimize the occurrence of medical mistakes, improve patient happiness, and improve overall treatment quality [2]. Furthermore, biometric solutions can assist healthcare businesses in meeting regulatory criteria and safeguarding patient data privacy.

Despite the obvious advantages of biometric technology, several considerations should be made before using biometric systems in healthcare, such as cost, infrastructure needs, and patient acceptability [3]. The potential benefits of biometrics in improving patient identification and safety in healthcare, on the other hand, make it a reasonable investment for healthcare providers. As technology progresses, biometric identification is projected to play an increas ingly important role in enhancing patient identification and safety in healthcare [4].

Conclusion

Biometric identification technologies provide a viable answer to the problem of incorrect patient identification in healthcare. As technology advances and becomes more secure, it has the potential to greatly increase patient safety while also lowering healthcare expenses associated with medical mistakes. However, further study is required to assess the usefulness and long-term viability of biometric identification in healthcare settings.

References

1. Dawson M, Hardwick M (2018) Biometrics and identification in healthcare. Nursing standard Royal College of Nursing Great Britain 33(5): 45.
2. Kimmel J, Lozano C, Rawson JV (2017) The role of biometrics in patient safety. Journal of healthcare risk management. The Journal of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management 36(3): 38-43.
3. Lee SS, Kang HY, Kim BS (2016) Biometric authentication for e-prescription and medication administration to reduce adverse drug events: A systematic review. Journal of medical systems 40(5): 120.
4. Rathore MM, Ahmad F, Soomro TR (2018) Role of biometric technology in healthcare: a comprehensive review. Biomedical Engineering Online 17(1): 1-31.