Title: AHRQ Introduces Measure Dx to Address Diagnostic Errors and Improve Patient Care
Summary:
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is intensifying its commitment to eliminate diagnostic errors with the introduction of Measure Dx, a clinical tool aimed at preventing diagnostic inaccuracies. Despite challenges in the complexity of medical care, diagnostic errors remain prevalent, affecting 1 in 20 adults annually in outpatient settings and leading to an estimated 250,000 errors in U.S. hospitals. Measure Dx, an evidence-based tool, provides practical guidance and strategies for identifying and learning from diagnostic safety events. AHRQ’s broader efforts in this area include leading federal initiatives, expanding research, supporting clinical teams, and promoting standardized data collection through resources like the Toolkit for Engaging Patients and Common Formats for Event Reporting. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient care by ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses, especially in the context of ongoing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic