Patient misidentification is a growing problem in the United States, the results of which can be dangerous and even fatal.

Traditional identification methods, such as using patient names and dates of birth, are prone to errors and can result in duplicate records. Compounded by the increase in demand for medical care post-pandemic and the nationwide nursing shortage, patient misidentification can lead to catastrophic medical errors.

COVID-19 forced a spike in policy-makers’ interest and willingness to invest in public health; a spike that is unfortunately retreating to the old business as usual. (President Biden, in his State of the Union speech, warned “we remain vigilant” while calling for an end to the emergency, but quickly switched the subject from the urgency of public health to prosecuting fraud.) Luckily, along with increased attention came a raft of intelligent suggestions for changing how public health institutions carry out their mission, starting with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Data held independently to applications is the bedrock on which future healthcare systems will be built – and we’re already starting in Wales. Dylan Roberts, Prif Swyddog Digidol a Gwybodaeth, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board explains. 

Andy Wilcox, Head of International Product Marketing at Imprivata, discusses how Digital Identity Management is at the heart of the innovation that has helped NHS Trusts meet recent challenges. From facilitating remote working to provide care and enabling virtual patient visits, to efficiently managing staff onboarding, digital identity management has underpinned the solutions that have delivered success under intense pressure.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen hackers take advantage of one thing all too many organizations are dealing with vendor sprawl. To keep up with digitalization and evolving demands, working with third-party vendors has become critical for businesses.