Reducing specimen identification errors.

In 2006, the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics identified that the number of specimen identification errors each month was much greater than desired and represented a significant patient safety issue. A collaborative performance improvement approach between nursing and the laboratory was undertaken for the inpatient, ambulatory, and surgical services areas, with the focus on creation of a just culture. Between 2007 and 2011, interventions were successful in significantly reducing the number of errors by 85%.