What must be included in the patient profile record system?

The inclusion of the patient's first and last name in the patient profile record system is essential for several reasons. Firstly, identifying the patient accurately is critical for ensuring safe medication practices and for avoiding potential errors associated with medication dispensing. The patient’s name serves as a primary identifier that healthcare providers use to link prescriptions, medical history, and other relevant information to the correct individual.

Additionally, having the patient’s full name facilitates communication among healthcare professionals and enhances coordination of care. It allows pharmacists to verify patient information against medical records, prescription records, and insurance verification, all of which are integral to effective patient management.

In contrast, while insurance details, family history, and medication preferences may provide valuable insights into a patient's healthcare situation, they do not serve the fundamental purpose of uniquely identifying the patient in the medication management process. Thus, those elements, although useful, are not as critical for the baseline requirements of a patient profile as the patient's name.