Failure to diagnose: appendicitis.
While appendicitis is a relatively infrequent reason for presentation in the general practice setting, claims against general practitioners alleging a failure to diagnose appendicitis are not uncommon. This article examines some of the factors involved in the delay in diagnosis of appendicitis and outlines some risk management strategies for GPs.
Bird
Sara
S
MDA National. sbird@mdanational.com.au
D000328:Adult; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D001315:Australia; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods