Patient identification and verification system and method

A patient identification and verification system comprising:

• (a) programmed system computer means for processing and storing patient data;
• (b) input means operatively interconnected to the programmed system computer means for input of data to the programmed system computer means;
• (c) output means operatively interconnected to the programmed system computer means for output of data from the programmed system computer means;
• (d) first bar code identifier means adapted for attachment to a patient for identification of the patient, the bar code identifier means including a patient unique code;
• (e) a plurality of second bar code identifier means for identifying patient care related items, such as medication, etc.;
• (f) the input means and output means including:
• (i) microprocessor controlled portable handheld patient terminal means having bar code reader means for scanning the first bar code identifier means to identify the patient and for scanning the second bar code identifier means for relating various items to a specific patient, the portable handheld patient terminal means further including keyboard means for data entry and display means for display of information, the portable handheld patient terminal means including electromagnetic wave transceiver means including means for transmission of patient and item data as an electromagnetic wave which is representative of the first and second bar code identifier means scanned by the bar code reader means and including means for receipt of data as an electromagnetic wave;
• (ii) microprocessor controlled base station means including electromagnetic wave transceiver means for receipt of and transmission of the patient and item data as an electromagnetic wave to the electromagnetic wave transceiver means of the portable handheld patient terminal means, the base station means being interconnected to the programmed system computer means at least in part by electrical lines for receipt and transmission of the patient and item data on the electrical lines to the programmed system computer means, the base station means includes a programmable unique identifier, the base station means including means for only allowing communication with a portable handheld patent terminal means having a corresponding program identifier, the patient system including means for programming the portable handheld patient terminal means with the corresponding identifier;
• and
• (iii) the programmed system computer means including program means for verifying the patient and item data properly correspond and transmitting an alarm signal if improper correspondence noted.