Diagnostic Errors Lead to Harm, Fatal Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients

Background: Diagnostic errors are a recognized contributor to adverse outcomes. Few studies have systematically assessed contribution of errors to harm in hospitalized patients. Objective: To determine the prevalence, harms, and causes of diagnostic error in adult inpatient setting leading to ICU transfer or death. Design: Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Methods: Adult general medicine inpatients between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, who were transferred to the ICU or died after the second hospital day were included. Overall, 29 academic medical centers were included, and 2428 cases were reviewed. Each medical record was reviewed using a standardized Safer-Dx algorithm and Diagnostic Error Evaluation and Research framework checklist by 2 trained clinicians to assess for the main outcomes of presence of diagnostic error, causes of underlying error, and the harms associated with errors. Harm from the error was reviewed using the National Coordinating Council for Medic more...