Monaco launches awareness campaign on the importance of accurate patient identification and safety in healthcare.
“To be treated properly, I must be properly identified” – under this motto, the Principality of Monaco is launching a public information campaign on accurate patient identification as part of its policy for quality and safety in healthcare. The campaign will be implemented across all healthcare facilities in the Principality.
What is identity vigilance?
It refers to a set of procedures that enable both administrative and medical staff to confirm a patient’s identity in order to provide appropriate and accurate care.
Since a mistake in identification can lead to a medical error, identity vigilance is everyone’s responsibility.
During a medical appointment, procedure or blood test, patients are encouraged to follow three simple steps:
- Present a form of identification;
- Answer questions from healthcare professionals;
- Check that the medical information recorded is in their name.
Whether the medical records are kept in paper or digital form, adopting these simple habits is the first step towards safe treatment for every patient in Monaco.
To support this, a visual awareness campaign has been launched across the Principality to inform the public about best practices in this area.
As Christophe Robino, Government Counsellor – Minister for Social Affairs and Health, stated: “This campaign reflects the Princely Government’s commitment to a safe, responsible and respectful approach to medicine — one that empowers each patient to take an active role in their own safety.”
