title: Interpretive Error in Radiology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although imaging technology has advanced significantly since the work of Garland in 1949, interpretive error rates remain unchanged. In addition to patient harm, interpretive errors are a major cause of litigation and distress to radiologists. In this article, we discuss the mechanics involved in searching an image, categorize omission errors, and discuss factors influencing diagnostic accuracy. Potential individual- and system-based solutions to mitigate or eliminate errors are also discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiologists use visual detection, pattern recognition, memory, and cognitive reasoning to synthesize final interpretations of radiologic studies. This synthesis is performed in an environment in which there are numerous extrinsic distractors, increasing workloads and fatigue. Given the ultimately human task of perception, some degree of error is likely inevitable even with experienced observers. However, an understanding of the causes of interpretive errors can help in the development of tools to mitigate errors and improve patient safety.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Waite
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: Jinel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gale
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: Travis
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: Srinivas
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kolla
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reede
mesh_terms: D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D061214:Patient Safety; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014481:United States; D014796:Visual Perception
keywords: bias; computer-aided detection (CAD); error; fatigue; malpractice; perception; workload