Reducing diagnostic errors through effective communication: harnessing the power of information technology.
Diagnostic errors are poorly understood despite being a frequent cause of medical errors. Recent efforts have aimed to advance the "basic science" of diagnostic error prevention by tracing errors to their most basic origins. Although a refined theory of diagnostic error prevention will take years to formulate, we focus on communication breakdown, a major contributor to diagnostic errors and an increasingly recognized preventable factor in medical mishaps. We describe a comprehensive framework that integrates the potential sources of communication breakdowns within the diagnostic process and identifies vulnerable steps in the diagnostic process where various types of communication breakdowns can precipitate error. We then discuss potential information technology-based interventions that may have efficacy in preventing one or more forms of these breakdowns. These possible intervention strategies include using new technologies to enhance communication between health providers and health systems, improve patient involvement, and facilitate management of information in the medical record.
Singh
Hardeep
H
Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. hardeeps@bcm.tmc.edu
Naik
Aanand Dinkar
AD
Rao
Raghuram
R
Petersen
Laura Ann
LA
D020811:Biomedical Technology; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized