Hospitalized patients who died or were transferred to the ICU experienced diagnostic errors almost 25% of the time.

The article discusses a new study revealing that hospitalized patients who died or were transferred to the ICU experienced diagnostic errors almost 25% of the time, with most errors causing harm. The findings highlight the common occurrence of human errors in medicine and raise concerns about patient safety in hospitals. The study, based on a random sample of nearly 2,500 patient records from 29 academic medical centers, emphasizes the need to rethink how health systems ensure patient safety.

The research builds on previous studies dating back to the early 1990s, showing that delayed and misdiagnoses are more prevalent than believed. The study found that 23% of patients experienced a diagnostic error, and 18% suffered temporary or permanent harm as a result. Among the patients who died, diagnostic errors were deemed a contributing factor about 7% of the time. The article suggests further research is needed to understand factors contributing to missed or incorrect diagnoses, such as physician workload or patient conditions.

JAMA editors called the study results “striking” and suggested future research comparing patients with similar diagnoses to understand the impact of diagnostic errors. The article also notes the growing importance of AI tools in improving diagnostic accuracy, although their limitations are acknowledged. The study raises questions about whether low-tech measures, such as the “diagnostic pause,” could be effective in reducing mistakes by providing clinicians with time to review checklists and consult colleagues. Overall, the findings underscore the need for continued efforts to address diagnostic errors and enhance patient safety in healthcare.