The global burden of diagnostic errors in primary care

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Patient Safety
• Diagnostic Accuracy

Background:

• Diagnostic errors are a high-priority patient safety issue identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Most individuals will likely experience a diagnostic error in their lifetime, highlighting the pervasive nature of this problem.
• Diagnostic errors in primary care represent a substantial global burden with significant contributory factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global significance, burden, and contributing factors of diagnostic errors in primary care.
• To synthesize literature on common symptoms and conditions affected by diagnostic errors.
• To summarize existing interventions and propose future steps for reducing diagnostic errors.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review synthesizing available literature.
• The review examines global data on diagnostic errors in primary care.
• It identifies common conditions and symptoms associated with diagnostic errors and reviews interventions.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic errors are common, affect many conditions, and occur across all countries.
• A multifaceted approach is needed, addressing both systems and cognitive issues.
• No single solution, or 'magic bullet,' exists to eliminate diagnostic errors.

Conclusions:

• The World Health Organization's (WHO) global leadership is crucial for addressing diagnostic errors.
• A collaborative effort involving diverse stakeholders is recommended to tackle challenges and improve primary care.
• Prioritizing practice changes and research for intervention development is essential to reduce diagnostic errors.