Advancing the science of measurement of diagnostic errors in healthcare: the Safer Dx framework (2016)

Summary

Although diagnostic errors are estimated to affect about 12 million Americans each year in ambulatory care settings alone, the conceptual and pragmatic scientific foundations for their measurement are under-developed. Further progress towards reducing diagnostic errors will rely on our ability to overcome measurement-related challenges. This article in BMJ Quality & Safety outlines a multifaceted framework to advance the science of measuring diagnostic errors (The Safer Dx framework). The authors describe how Safer DX serves as a conceptual foundation for system-wide safety measurement, monitoring and improvement of diagnostic error. They believe it lays robust groundwork for measurement and monitoring techniques to ensure diagnostic safety.

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