Author: Patients for Patient Safety Canada

You might think that only the health care provider can prevent a diagnosis error. That’s not correct. There are steps you can take to prevent a diagnosis error:   Do not be shy – ask questions – Questions save lives.  Be aware that diagnosis of a health problem is complex – it involves various steps (e.g. getting health and medical history, signs and symptoms, and getting blood or other tests). Understand what is involved in being diagnosed.  Don’t give up on getting answers to questions. You need to clearly understand the diagnosis and follow-up...

How common are diagnosis errors? Our facts are scarce but tell us that:  One-third of 346 Canadians said they or a loved one suffered patient safety harm because of misdiagnosis [Canadian Patient Safety Institute/IPSOS, 2018].  In 2017, 59% of 2536 adult U.S. patients said that diagnosis of their medical problems did not happen, was wrong, or was delayed [Institute of Health Information 2017].  The World Health Organization reports that nearly 16% of harm that could have been prevented across health systems was due to diagnosis error (2024).  To diagnose a patient’s health...

The diagnosis of a patient’s health problem is like a puzzle. All the pieces in the puzzle should join and give a clear picture of your health. More important, it should show you if you have any health issues that need care.   Unlike a puzzle, diagnosis is not always as easy to piece together. There are many pieces of a person’s health and diagnosis puzzle which includes: health history: physical and mental health or well-being, medical issues, quality of life, and family supports  signs and symptoms related to a specific health problem  results of a physical exam or check-up,...