Missed diagnoses in an accident & emergency department

Injury. 1984 May;15(6):403-6. doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(84)90207-9.

Abstract

The diagnoses which were missed at patients' first attendance at an A & E Department over a 6-month period were noted and investigated. The most common cause of missed diagnosis was failure to interpret X-ray findings correctly; this and other causes are discussed. Recommendations as to how this can be improved are made.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / standards*
  • England
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Records / standards
  • Physical Examination / standards
  • Radiography / standards