Implementing biometric patient identification can significantly enhance patient experiences and boost your bottom line.
For healthcare organizations, positive patient experiences are crucial for success and profitability because it only takes one bad experience for a patient to seek another physician. On a larger scale, it only takes one negative news story to tarnish an organization’s reputation, causing widespread damage to community trust and patient retention.
A study on patient experience and hospital profitability found that not only is positive patient experience linked to increased profitability, but also that negative patient experience has an even stronger link to decreased profitability.
Biometric patient identification improves patient access and experience
Facial recognition technology is used by millions every day for acts as simple as opening a phone to send a text (although not all biometric systems are created equal). Now, advances in this technology are used in healthcare for secure and accurate patient identification. For example, by using the Imprivata patient access solution, organizations can leverage facial biometrics to scan a face’s distinctive characteristics and create a unique digital identifier for use at check-in, or other times patient identification is needed.
Using biometric patient identification prevents misidentification, and therefore, the potential resulting bad patient experiences. It allows healthcare organizations to have better access to accurate patient information, which improves the quality of care they provide. Using biometrics also creates opportunities for positive patient experiences. Let’s look at the many ways this facial recognition technology benefits patients and healthcare organizations.
Biometric patient identification reduces adverse patient outcomes
Patient misidentification happens when manual check-in procedures fail to link patients to their correct medical records. Test results, prescriptions, and more will then be compiled into a wrong or duplicate record, with consequences ranging from inconvenience to potentially fatal medical errors. One study reported that misidentifications accounted for around 70% of adverse patient outcomes. Healthcare organizations ensure accurate patient identification with biometric patient identification processes, reducing the risk of misidentification and improving patient safety.
Streamlined check-ins and reduced wait times
Facial recognition lets patients breeze through the check-in process, feeling satisfied and confident in their healthcare providers. And the swift, seamless process improves operational efficiency for staff. Using facial biometrics for check-ins also reduces wait times. A study from NRC Health found that 63% of patients say they would switch doctors if they had to consistently wait too long for their appointment. This can lead to significant revenue loss, considering that, on average, every open or no-show appointment costs physicians $200.
By leveraging Imprivata biometric patient identification capabilities, organizations can accurately recognize patients even if they wear masks, hats, and glasses. A quick and easy check-in experience drives revenue retention and makes patients more likely to recommend their providers to others, driving valuable organic growth through word-of-mouth referrals.
Enhanced data security and patient privacy
Biometric patient identification ensures accurate patient record matching while safeguarding sensitive medical data. And, in fact, our own patient access solution prioritizes privacy by design, which means that the solution was built to put patient privacy first. What does that mean in practice? Biometric data is protected within the healthcare organization and is never shared externally. Plus, that enhanced privacy and data security also helps organizations avoid regulatory non-compliance and data breaches.
Improved efficiency and patient outcomes
By eliminating patient identity problems, biometric patient identification with Imprivata reduces the risk of medical errors and misdiagnoses. In 2022, a Patient ID Now survey found that 70% of respondents agree or strongly agree that patients undergo duplicate or unnecessary testing due to patient identification difficulties.
The Imprivata biometric patient identification solution also improves patient outcomes because when healthcare staff spend less time on manual tasks, more time can be focused on patient care. Streamlined and efficient processes also create cost savings and positive staff experiences that increase overall morale. Our solution seamlessly integrates with the electronic health record (EHR) as well, enhancing workflows and reducing clinician burnout.
Bolstering patient trust
The efficiency and accuracy of biometric patient identification technology bolsters patient trust and retention. Research shows that for 80% of patients who’ve lost trust in their healthcare provider, nothing can be done to make them return for another appointment. Another source reports that 70% of patients would switch to a new provider for deeper trust and respect.
Positive perception and competitive edge
Implementing cutting-edge biometric patient identification technology augments an organization’s reputation, fostering confidence, which in turn retains patients, attracts more patients, and gives organizations a competitive edge in a crowded market.
Boost positive patient experiences with biometric identification
Implementing biometric patient identification with Imprivata boosts security and efficiency and fosters patient trust. For a deeper dive into the ways the Imprivata Patient Access solution enhances patient experience and safety, check out our on-demand webinar.
