NFO Business of Medicine Web Series: Florida Diagnostic Errors- Overview, Analysis, and Emerging Risks

Diagnostic errors are often underrecognized despite being common, more likely to cause harm than other types of errors, and frequently preventable. The diagnostic process is complex and multifaceted, involving multiple clinicians, processes, communication platforms, and time gaps—factors that contribute to errors across all specialties within the healthcare continuum. Providers in Florida can benefit from reviewing the most prevalent diagnostic errors, including error types, locations, and underlying causes. Root Cause Analysis is a key tool for identifying the causes of diagnostic errors. Understanding the root causes is crucial for recognizing potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate harm and improve patient safety. Healthcare professionals must prioritize the design and implementation of processes and systems that reduce and prevent diagnostic errors as well as other medical errors. This program examines Florida's most common diagnostic errors and trends in malpractice claims related to diagnosis. It includes data on clinical and financial severity, responsible services, claimant characteristics, and clinical settings. Additionally, it explores emerging risks and strategies to mitigate these risks. Objectives: • Discuss top diagnostic process failures and causations, including the top five specific to Florida (MD and DOs). • Understand the root cause analysis (RCA) process. • Discuss emerging diagnosis-related risks. • Identify processes and systems that reduce and prevent diagnostic errors.