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Pediatric Radiology

Published in:

01-03-2011 | Original Article

Diagnostic errors in pediatric radiology

Authors: George A. Taylor, Stephan D. Voss, Patrice R. Melvin, Dionne A. Graham

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

Background

Little information is known about the frequency, types and causes of diagnostic errors in imaging children.

Objective

Our goals were to describe the patterns and potential etiologies of diagnostic error in our subspecialty.

Materials and methods

We reviewed 265 cases with clinically significant diagnostic errors identified during a 10-year period. Errors were defined as a diagnosis that was delayed, wrong or missed; they were classified as perceptual, cognitive, system-related or unavoidable; and they were evaluated by imaging modality and level of training of the physician involved.

Results

We identified 484 specific errors in the 265 cases reviewed (mean:1.8 errors/case). Most discrepancies involved staff (45.5%). Two hundred fifty-eight individual cognitive errors were identified in 151 cases (mean = 1.7 errors/case). Of these, 83 cases (55%) had additional perceptual or system-related errors. One hundred sixty-five perceptual errors were identified in 165 cases. Of these, 68 cases (41%) also had cognitive or system-related errors. Fifty-four system-related errors were identified in 46 cases (mean = 1.2 errors/case) of which all were multi-factorial. Seven cases were unavoidable.

Conclusion

Our study defines a taxonomy of diagnostic errors in a large academic pediatric radiology practice and suggests that most are multi-factorial in etiology. Further study is needed to define effective strategies for improvement.

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Title: Diagnostic errors in pediatric radiology
Authors: George A. Taylor
Stephan D. Voss
Patrice R. Melvin
Dionne A. Graham
Publication date: 01-03-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-010-1812-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Diagnostic errors in pediatric radiology

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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