A timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for a positive outcome. It determines the clinical path for treatment, management and recovery.
With all the advancements in medical technology, you might assume that missed diagnoses are a thing of the past. However, diagnostic errors continue to be a significant challenge in healthcare. And much of that has less to do with the technology and more with the clinician’s own bias.
Two types of bias
Healthcare providers typically don’t have malicious intent toward their patients. After all, the Hippocratic Oath provides the phrase, “first, do no harm.” Instead, bias can be broken down into two types:
- Cognitive bias occurs when a clinician uses past experiences and patterns to make quick decisions. However, these mental shortcuts can lead to errors. A diagnosis may be made because the doctor chose to look for information that confirmed their pre-existing beliefs. Or, they may fixate on the first piece of information they receive and then fail to adjust their thinking
- Systemic biases are often based on race, gender, age, socioeconomic status or disability. For example, heart attacks appear different in women than in men. For years, many women with less typical symptoms like nausea, jaw pain or fatigue were misdiagnosed, affecting the quality and timeliness of the care they received.
For patients, a missed or delayed diagnosis can mean prolonged suffering, disease progression and the need for more invasive and costly treatments. The worst-case scenario is death. The issue goes beyond the physical harm to the individual. It can also cause the patient and the public to lose faith in the healthcare system.
Diagnostic errors also harm the healthcare community. Increased costs and extended hospital stays place a heavy burden on healthcare systems that already may be struggling to stay afloat.
Still, if a healthcare provider’s missed diagnosis harms you, someone needs to be held accountable. Speak with a legal representative to determine if you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. They can help you seek justice and receive compensation for your additional expenses and continued suffering.