Study: Patient and family input improve diagnostic process

A pre-visit online engagement tool that helps identify opportunities to improve diagnostic safety in patients and families living with chronic conditions may help to improve diagnostic safety, a study found. Published in August 2023 in BMJ Quality & Safety, the researchers implemented the tool at two academic organizations. Qualitative analysis of 450 reports showed participants were more likely to mention concerns about access barriers, problems with tests and referrals, and communication breakdowns, which could illuminate diagnostic blind spots. (AHRQ Journal of Patient Safety article, 9/13/23)