Priorities for improving paediatric diagnosis: findings from a modified Delphi study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare Research
• Diagnostic Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety in Pediatrics

Background:

• Lack of consensus on pediatric-specific diagnostic improvement priorities.
• Unique needs of children require tailored diagnostic strategies.
• Importance of addressing diagnostic errors in pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prioritize research and operational improvement areas for pediatric diagnostic excellence.
• To identify feasible strategies for enhancing diagnostic safety in children.
• To establish consensus among experts on critical areas for intervention.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi panel with 25 US experts (researchers, patient safety leaders, family partners) from 15 institutions.
• Literature review to generate initial topics, followed by expert panel discussions and surveys.
• Consensus achieved on topics rated as high priority (≥75%) and feasibility assessed for implementation.

Main Results:

• Consensus reached on 6 research priorities and 11 operational improvement priorities.
• Three research priorities identified: high-risk conditions, communication enhancement, feedback mechanisms.
• Three operational priorities identified: high-risk scenarios, case review, reporting missed opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Experts successfully prioritized feasible research and practice topics for pediatric diagnosis improvement.
• The findings provide a roadmap for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and safety in pediatric care.
• Prioritized areas focus on high-risk conditions, communication, feedback, and error analysis.