Integration & Interoperability News

A Unique Patient Identifier Decreases Adverse Drug Interactions

Over a three-year period, pharmacies with a unique patient identifier lessened the chances of serious drug-to-drug interactions.

National Patient Identifier Drug Interactions

Source: Getty Images

By Christopher Jason

- Developing an enhanced patient identification strategy, such as a National Patient Identifier (NPI), across separate data sources can boost patient safety and limit adverse drug-to-drug interactions, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

To further increase patient safety, providers should enhance patient data exchange (e.g. prescription history) and interoperability.

Patient matching issues have surrounded the healthcare industry for decades. Patient matching, or the ability to connect the correct medical data to the appropriate patient, is a key patient safety issue complicated by limited interoperability and data governance.