Publications by authors named "Helene M Epstein"
Objectives: The diagnostic process is a vital component of safe and effective emergency department (ED) care. There are no standardized methods for identifying or reliably monitoring diagnostic errors in the ED, impeding efforts to enhance diagnostic safety. We sought to identify trigger concepts to screen ED records for diagnostic errors and describe how they can be used as a measurement strategy to identify and reduce preventable diagnostic harm.
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- A multidisciplinary panel of experts was formed to create a clear definition and framework for understanding diagnostic errors specifically in emergency departments.
- They defined diagnostic errors as deviations from evidence-based practices that lead to negative patient outcomes, highlighting important processes like recognizing patient acuity and effective communication.
- The modified framework emphasizes factors affecting diagnosis, such as how patients arrive and the level of triage, aiming to improve learning and enhance diagnostic accuracy in emergency care settings.