Systematic review examines diagnostic delay disparities

Systemic strategies are necessary to address and eliminate diagnostic delay disparities, according to a study highlighted in the Agency for Healthcare Quality’s Journal of Patient Safety. The systemic review of 16 qualitative studies conducted in the U.S. found patients and caregivers in underserved communities reported several reasons contributing to delayed diagnoses. Health system barriers included poor organizational health literacy, cognitive biases and breakdowns in patient and provider communication. Factors at the socioeconomic and sociocultural levels included low health literacy, distrust in health care systems, health care avoidance, and cultural and linguistic barriers. (AHRQ Journal of Patient Safety article, 11/20/24)