New HSeLanD Training Module on Individual Health Identifier (IHI)- Best practice data entry now available

A new eLearning module has been launched on HSeLanD to strengthen patient identity data quality at the point of registration and support reliable matching to the Individual Health Identifier (IHI).

The training has been developed by the Health Identifiers Service (HIDS) within the Chief Data and Analytics Office to support Digital for Care 2030 and strengthen the role of the IHI in enabling interoperability across the healthcare system.

The HSE National Policy for Individual Health Identifier (IHI) Data Standards defines the data field standards required to ensure accurate and reliable matching of patients to their IHI.

This policy serves two main objectives:

1. Underpin a national IHI HSELanD training and education programme
2. Require all new IT systems to meet defined patient identity standards, embedded in procurement specifications, to enable reliable IHI matching.

Accurate patient identification is a critical enabler of safe, integrated and digitally enabled care. Patient registration is often the first interaction in the care journey, and the quality of data captured at this point directly affects the ability of systems to correctly match patients to their health records. Small data entry errors can lead to failed IHI matching, duplicate records, delays in care and increased patient safety risk.

Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) now form part of the patient registration process and support accurate patient identity and verification within health and social care services. Because the PPSN remains constant, unlike other personal details (such as address or phone number) which may change, the PPSN provides a strong basis for identifying and correctly matching a person to their IHI. This, in turn, supports the accurate linkage of healthcare records within health services.

The new module is designed to support staff to get it “right first time.” It provides practical guidance on best practice data entry, highlights the patient identity data elements most critical for IHI matching, and explains common errors that undermine data quality.

The module is relevant to all staff, with particular emphasis on those involved in registering patients or entering patient details across community, acute and national services. It includes short knowledge checks to reinforce learning, with no formal assessment, ensuring it is accessible and achievable within busy operational environments.

From a Technology and Transformation perspective, the importance of high-quality patient identity data is fundamental. The IHI underpins key national digital health initiatives, including the HSE Health App, the National Shared Care Record (NSCR) and the Community Care Record. Accurate IHI matching ensures patient information from multiple systems and settings can be safely linked, enabling clinicians and patients to access a trusted, longitudinal view of health information.

As Ireland progresses toward broader Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation, reliable patient identification will be essential to support interoperability, data sharing and clinical confidence in digital systems. Poor data quality at registration presents a systemic risk that can undermine digital investment, limit adoption and reduce the value of national digital platforms.

Tom Laffan, Chief Data and Analytics Officer explains:

This eLearning module represents a practical step in strengthening the digital foundations required for integrated, patient centered care. By improving the accuracy and completeness of patient identity data at source, the training supports safer care today and enables the successful delivery of future digital health services.

The module is available now on HSeLanD and is strongly recommended for all staff involved in patient registration or the recording of patient identity information.