Recognizing excellence in diagnosis: Recommended practices for hospitals (Leapfrog Group, 28 July 2024)

Summary

Along with researchers at The Johns Hopkins University, Leapfrog conducted a small study and found that hospitals were aware of the problem of diagnostic errors, but unsure where to start to solve it. In response, in 2022, Leapfrog published Recognizing Excellence in Diagnosis: Recommended Practices for Hospitals, a compilation of 29 evidence-based practices for hospitals to get started in tackling diagnostic errors. 

This report updates the 2022 recommendations on diagnostic practices by incorporating recent advances in quality measurement, field-testing practices, and feedback from hospitals. It presents 22 recommended practices for diagnostic excellence, along with new resources and strategies for improving diagnosis safety and quality.

Content

For each recommended practice, the Leapfrog report includes descriptions and resources to help hospitals implement the practice. The report also offers guidance to employers, purchasers, and patient advocates to motivate hospital action. Featured practices in the report include:

• Making it easy for patients and family caregivers to report their diagnostic errors and concerns to the hospital.
• Implementing “closed-loop” communication to ensure that test results are reviewed by the ordering clinician and communicated to the patient on a timely basis.
• Convening a multidisciplinary team to implement hospital-wide diagnostic quality and safety programs, including the emergency department.

Further reading on the hub:

This year’s World Patient Safety Day on 17 September 2024 is focused on the theme “Improving diagnosis for patient safety”. Find out more.