Recent experience with computer-based patient records (CPRs) has revealed many valuable potential benefits, but it has also become apparent that the effective application of this technology creates some new problems. CPRs offer the option for lifelong linkage of all records on a patient, from birth to death. Such longitudinal record linkage would make the patient's entire past health history retrievable. This could make possible a quantum leap in the clinical practice of health care, but a reliable patient identifier is essential to make large-scale regional and nationwide record linkage feasible. The design of a patient identifier system is not a simple task. Incorrect record linkage would create confusion, at least, or possibly cause serious consequences. To gain the benefits from such an identifier, it must be used by all relevant organizations. A universal patient identifier system must resist unauthorized access to confidential clinical data.

Furthermore, the creation of personal identifiers for the entire population must be a cost-effective process in light of ongoing fiscal constraints. The creation and administration of personal identifiers for the entire population must be accomplished at a cost that is widely accepted as affordable and justified. Last, but not least, a time pressure exists. The solution to the patient identifier challenge should use technology to facilitate rapid deployment of the system to permit the expeditious implementation of CPRs. A companion document, Guide E 2553, provides the implementation strategy concerning how to actually implement the UHID system.