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February 2, 2010
Vol. XXVII, No. 6
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Diagnostic Errors in Medicine |
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Physicians appear to be able to readily recall multiple cases of diagnostic errors and are willing to share these experiences, according to findings from a national survey. The most common missed or delayed diagnoses were pulmonary embolism (4.5%), drug reactions or overdose (4.5%), lung cancer (3.9%), colorectal cancer (3.3%), acute coronary syndrome (3.1%), breast cancer (3.1%), and stroke (2.6%). Errors occurred most frequently in the testing phase (44%), followed by clinician assessment errors (32%), history taking (10%), physical examination (10%), and referral or consultation errors and delays (3%). The research team noted that systematic solicitation and analysis of these errors may help identify potential preventive strategies.
Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, November 9, 2009.
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