Why is it important to confirm patient identity before a procedure?

Confirming a patient's identity before a procedure is crucial primarily to prevent errors and ensure the correct treatment is administered. Accurate patient identification acts as a safeguard against misidentification, which can lead to serious consequences, such as performing the wrong procedure, administering the wrong dosage of medication, or confusing patients' medical histories. This practice helps ensure that the care provided matches the specific needs and details of the individual being treated.

Maintaining patient confidentiality, informing patients, and verifying insurance information, while important, do not directly address the clinical safety concerns tied to patient identity verification. Ensuring that the right patient receives the right treatment is the primary concern of healthcare teams, underscoring the importance of this step in the patient care process.