Between doubt and diagnosis: Patient experiences of emotional harm from diagnostic delays

Diagnostic error, including delayed diagnosis, is a significant threat to patient safety. While much research has focused on clinical and system-level contributors to diagnostic delay, less is known about patient perspectives, particularly regarding the emotional and psychological impacts.

We conducted in-depth, narrative interviews with 23 patients who self-reported experiencing a delayed diagnosis in one of five medical conditions: preeclampsia, myocardial infarction, ankylosing spondylitis, sepsis, and lung cancer. Participants were recruited via online patient communities and advocacy organizations. Interviews explored diagnostic trajectories, barriers to timely diagnosis, and the emotional, financial, and physical impacts of delay. Transcripts were thematically coded and analyzed to identify key themes.

Patients described diverse diagnostic journeys, but the most salient theme involved the profound emotional impact of delayed diagnosis. Three major themes emerged: 1) nearly all participants reported feeling dismissed or not taken seriously by medical professionals, leading to frustration, anger, and self-doubt; 2) receiving a diagnosis brought relief and validation, affirming patients' experiences and enabling more informed decision-making; and 3) despite eventual validation, many patients experienced long-term emotional consequences of delayed diagnosis, most notably mistrust in the healthcare system and reluctance to seek future care. These impacts were observed across both acute and chronic conditions and among patients of different ages and backgrounds.

The emotional and relational dimensions of delayed diagnosis are of primary importance to patients and can have lasting effects on trust and engagement with healthcare. Patient-centered strategies that prioritize validation, effective communication, and partnership in the diagnostic process are essential for reducing harm. Efforts to address diagnostic safety should incorporate patient perspectives to foster more empathetic and trustworthy healthcare systems.