Thursday, August 6, 2009

Missed diagnoses: who is responsible?

When an early stage cancer is missed or a serious illness is wrongly diagnosed, many of us blame our doctors.

What has emerged most recently from studies is that diagnostic failures are often due to missed steps, so-called “process of care lapses,” that stem from both doctors and patients.


As empowered individuals, we can challenge the medical system, take control of our health and explore all the options. We can also make an informed decision based on harms versus benefits. However we have a responsibility to act when required, even if the outcome may be not what we desire.

This article appeared recently in the New York Times. Something to think about.
http://bit.ly/3pawL1

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