What is an acceptable method for identifying a patient according to the Universal Protocol?

The method of asking the patient to state their full name aligns with the Universal Protocol's emphasis on active patient participation in ensuring safety and accuracy in identification. This approach encourages direct communication and helps to confirm that the healthcare provider and the patient are aligned on the identification process. It allows for immediate verification and minimizes the potential for errors that could arise from reliance on documents or other external identification methods.

This method fosters a partnership between the patient and the healthcare provider, ensuring that the patient's voice is heard in the identification process, which is a critical component of safe surgical practices. Engaging the patient in confirming their identity is not only a standard practice but also reinforces the importance of patient engagement in their care.

Other methods, while they may have their benefits, do not encourage the same level of direct engagement from the patient or may introduce potential for errors. For instance, asking a patient to hold their identification card or consulting a history file relies on external documents that can be incorrect or not physically present, whereas using a wristband with a barcode presents additional concerns about technology malfunctions or misreads. Therefore, asking the patient to state their full name stands out as the most reliable and patient-centered method under the Universal Protocol.