Reducing Diagnostic Errors

Module Description

Diagnostic errors are a top concern in the patient safety field. Studies have shown that malpractice claims related to diagnostic errors outnumber all other classes of medical error. Healthcare organizations need a more systematic approach for identifying diagnostic errors and educating clinicians on strategies for reducing the prevalence of these errors.

This resource-rich module provides a diverse set of tools and resources to educate healthcare professionals on diagnostic errors, including basic principles, common theories, and key strategies for reducing these errors at both the individual practice and system levels. In addition, the module provides a dedicated set of materials specific to engaging patients and families in the prevention of diagnostic errors.

Upon completion of this module, users will be able to:

• Describe three ways in which intuitive thought differs from rational deliberation during clinical reasoning
• Identify at least four factors contributing to diagnostic error
• Name, at a minimum, two ways in which the patient can impact the prevalence of diagnostic errors
• List four specific strategies to reduce diagnostic error

Components of the module include:

• A Primer for Clinicians
• Educational PowerPoint Presentations
• Prerecorded Lectures by Industry Experts
• Sample Workshop Curriculum for Teaching Medical Learners
• Case Studies for Discussion and Practice
• Suggested Readings and References
• Practice Quiz
• Patient and Family Tools & Resources
• Ask Me 3™ Good Questions for Getting the Right Diagnosis

Contributing Authors

All presenters, faculty, and content developers, unless indicated, have no significant financial interest/arrangement that could be perceived as a real or apparent conflict of interest with the subject matter of this educational enduring material.

Mark L. Graber, MD, FACP, Professor Emeritus, State University of New York at Stony Brook, and Senior Scientist, RTI International

Gordon D. Schiff, MD, Associate Director, Center for Patient Safety Research and Practice, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Geeta R. Singhal, MD, MEd, Section Head and Service Chief, Pediatric Hospital Medicine Texas Children’s Hospital; Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine

Satid Thammasitboon, MD, MHPE, Associate Professor, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital

Accreditation and Credits

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of The Doctors Company and the National Patient Safety Foundation.

The Doctors Company is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Release Date: June 30, 2011

Expiration Date: June 30, 2013

Registration Required for Access to Module

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