Which actions are necessary to comply with the National Patient Safety Goals?

Identifying a patient before providing care using two identifiers is a critical action to comply with the National Patient Safety Goals. This practice helps ensure that the right patient receives the appropriate treatment, which is essential in preventing errors. The use of two identifiers—such as the patient's name and date of birth—reduces the risk of mix-ups and enhances patient safety. Accurate identification is fundamental in all healthcare settings, as it establishes clarity about who is receiving care and what interventions are being performed, thereby minimizing the potential for adverse events.

In contrast, providing care without identifying the patient or relying solely on self-identification introduces risks that can lead to serious errors. Documenting care without any patient details also compromises safety, as it makes it difficult to track patient outcomes and ensure proper care continuity. Therefore, the best practice involves implementing a reliable method of patient identification, which aligns with the goals of promoting safety and effective communication in healthcare environments.