title: Failure to diagnose: ectopic pregnancy.
abstract: Case histories are based on actual medical negligence claims, however certain facts have been omitted or changed by the author to ensure the anonymity of the parties involved. Medical negligence claims alleging 'failure to diagnose' are a common cause of claims and complaints against general practitioners. This article outlines strategies to minimise the possibility of an adverse patient outcome arising out of a delay in diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: MDA National. sbird@mdanational.com.au
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bird
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology