Diagnostic Error

Diagnostic error refers to a mistake made in identifying a medical condition. This can occur when a doctor misdiagnoses an illness, overlooks a crucial symptom, or fails to recognize the correct disease. Such errors can lead to inappropriate treatments or delays in receiving the right care, ultimately affecting a patient’s health. Diagnostic errors can arise from misinterpretations of tests, insufficient information, or communication breakdowns. Addressing these errors is vital for improving healthcare quality and ensuring patients receive accurate and timely diagnoses, which is essential for effective treatment and recovery.