Deeble Institute Issues Brief: Reducing diagnostic errors related to medical imaging (2 September 2021)

Summary

Diagnostic errors have a negative impact on patient treatment and cost healthcare systems a large amount in wasted resources. This paper published by the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research looks at diagnostic errors related to medical imaging in Australian public healthcare. It also looks at health policies that have been used internationally to improve the use of diagnostic imaging and reduce the consequences of diagnostic errors.

The authors recommend:

• implementing a national strategy in Australia to identify and prevent diagnostic errors
• analysing medical indemnity claims to help measure the incidence and consequences of diagnostic errors.