April 6, 2007

Same/Similar Name signs

To ensure consistent delivery of high-quality care to patients with similar or identical names, new same/similar name signage will be available for all MGH inpatient units beginning April 9. These signs are part of the same/similar name policy that has been incorporated into the Identity Verification policy in the MGH Clinical Policy and Procedure Manual.

When there is more than one patient with the same or similar last name on a unit, signage will be posted inside the patient's room, on the spine of the patient's chart, on the green medication book and on the addressograph. There also will be a magnet on the white board next to the patient's name to signal that another patient on the unit has the same or similar name. Clinicians should double-check that they have the correct patient whenever this signage is posted next to a patient's name or medical record.

For more information, contact Katie Farraher of the Office of Quality and Safety at (617) 726-4709.