Study Defines Eight Types of Diagnostic Errors, Suggests Mitigation Strategies

A new AHRQ-funded study describes eight common and emerging categories of diagnostic errors and offers suggestions to mitigate their impact. Identifying and reducing the incidence of these types of errors is a key agency priority. Writing in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, the authors reviewed recently published literature and collaborative discussions from around the world to identify common types and causes of diagnostic errors, which they categorized and defined using easy-to-understand terminology. Researchers also provided technological and systems-based strategies to mitigate and reduce the eight types of errors. Access the abstract.