Diagnostic errors in hospitalized adults who died or were transferred to intensive care (8 January 2024)

Summary

Diagnostic errors contribute to patient harm, though few data exist to describe their prevalence or underlying causes among medical inpatients. The aim of this study published by Jama Internal Medicine was to determine the prevalence, underlying cause, and harms of diagnostic errors among hospitalised adults transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) or who died. The results showed that diagnostic errors were common and associated with patient harm. Problems with choosing and interpreting tests and the processes involved with clinician assessment are high-priority areas for improvement efforts.