Mini course · Foundation level
Patient Identification & Safe Handover
The right patient, the right information, every time care changes hands.
What is Patient Identification & Safe Handover?
Patient misidentification and poor handover are leading causes of preventable harm, from wrong-patient medications and specimens to missed deterioration. This course covers the use of at least two patient identifiers, identification at high-risk moments, wristbands and labelling, and structured handover between shifts, teams and departments. You practise identifying risks and conducting a structured handover in realistic scenarios.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Lessons
- 4
- Level
- Foundation
- Format
- Online, self-paced
What you'll be able to do
- Apply two-identifier verification at described points of care
- Recognise high-risk moments for misidentification
- Label specimens and documents correctly at the bedside
- Conduct a structured handover using a standard format
- Identify missing or unclear information in a described handover
- Involve patients and families in identification and handover
Who this course is for
Course content
4 lessons · 1 hour total · free preview available
1The Cost of Getting It Wrong
14 minFree preview· Course content
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Misidentification and handover failures in real cases.
2Identifying Patients Correctly
16 min· Course content
Identifying Patients Correctly
Available after you enroll.
3Labelling and Specimens
14 min· Course content
Labelling and Specimens
Available after you enroll.
4Structured Handover
16 min· Course content
Structured Handover
Available after you enroll.
Earn a credential employers can check
Every AIHCM credential has a unique ID that anyone can verify online in seconds.
Issued: on completion
How it works
- Finish all 4 lessons at your own pace.
- Get your digital credential with a unique ID.
- Share it — employers can verify it at aihcm.us.
Questions people ask
Which identifiers should be used?
Usually name and date of birth or a unique record number. Room or bed numbers should never be used as identifiers.
Which handover format does the course use?
It explains common structured formats, including SBAR-based handover, and how to choose one.
Is it relevant for laboratory and imaging staff?
Yes. Specimen and imaging mix-ups are covered specifically.
How does it relate to the patient safety goals?
Patient identification and effective communication are both international patient safety goals.