Diagnostic Errors in Medicine

Diagnostic errors in medicine occur when a healthcare professional incorrectly identifies a patient’s condition, misses a diagnosis, or delays determining the correct cause of symptoms. These mistakes can happen due to complex factors like overlapping symptoms, limited information, or human oversight. Such errors may result in inappropriate treatment, worsening health, or missed opportunities for effective intervention. While diagnostic errors are a recognized challenge in healthcare, ongoing efforts aim to improve accuracy through better testing, technology, and physician education, ultimately enhancing patient safety and outcomes.