Diagnostic Errors in the Pediatric and Neonatal ICU
Diagnostic Errors in the Pediatric and Neonatal ICU
This systematic review demonstrated that there is a paucity of literature related to diagnostic error in PICUs and NICUs. Available data suggest that diagnostic errors are potentially lethal in 6.4% of PICU and 3.7% of NICU deaths, likely causing the preventable deaths in a significant number of children. These results do not consider the impact of nonlethal morbidity. Thus far, diagnostic errors have received relatively little attention and research funding, leaving the methods to measure them underdeveloped. A prospective study examining the process and workflow of ICU diagnosis, diagnostic reasoning, and the impact of diagnostic error on patients is the logical next step in tackling this important issue. Policymakers and other stakeholders should consider diagnostic errors a top priority for further patient safety research.
Conclusions
This systematic review demonstrated that there is a paucity of literature related to diagnostic error in PICUs and NICUs. Available data suggest that diagnostic errors are potentially lethal in 6.4% of PICU and 3.7% of NICU deaths, likely causing the preventable deaths in a significant number of children. These results do not consider the impact of nonlethal morbidity. Thus far, diagnostic errors have received relatively little attention and research funding, leaving the methods to measure them underdeveloped. A prospective study examining the process and workflow of ICU diagnosis, diagnostic reasoning, and the impact of diagnostic error on patients is the logical next step in tackling this important issue. Policymakers and other stakeholders should consider diagnostic errors a top priority for further patient safety research.
