PPSNs and IHIs improve patient identification – HSE

The use of personal public service numbers (PPSNs) “in conjunction” with individual health identifiers (IHIs) enables “a significantly stronger identity-matching capability” than either identifier alone, a HSE meeting heard.

The use of PPSNs and IHIs was discussed at the October meeting of the HSE audit and risk committee. Committee members noted that “widespread collection” of PPSNs deliver a “practical and efficient” means of verifying patient identity.

The committee heard that when used with an IHI, it will strengthen patient safety, improve data quality, reduce duplication and administration, and support the ambitions of the HSE’s Digital for Care programme.

A HSE spokesperson told the Medical Independent this discussion reflected ongoing operational work to improve patient identity matching and data quality as digital services expand.

“As PPSN collection becomes a more routine part of registration processes across health and social care settings, it is appropriate for governance forums to be informed of operational service improvements and associated safeguards.”

The HSE has not identified “any significant issues or widespread reluctance” from patients to providing a PPSN. The HSE has engaged with patient groups to seek feedback on the issue. The general response was that “patients understood and supported its use to help ensure accurate identity verification”.

Patients may choose not to provide a PPSN and continue to receive healthcare in all circumstances. Where a PPSN is not provided, alternative identification processes are used to ensure care delivery.

PPSNs are used within a range of health schemes where they form part of the application and verification process. In addition, the HSE records PPSNs as part of the patient registration process.

Together, PPSNs and IHIs “strengthen identity verification and reduce duplication or misidentification, thereby improving data quality and patient safety”. 

A PPSN is a “broader” public service identifier. An IHI is a unique number used within health services to identify an individual and correctly link their health records across different digital services and systems.