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04/27/26

Patterns of diagnostic errors using hierarchical cluster analysis: a single-center, cross-sectional study in general internal medicine.

Suzuki, Yuya; Nishizawa, Toshinori; Ozawa, Hiroki; Harada, Yukinori; Watari, Takashi; Shimizu, Taro; Sakurai, Madoka; Hayashi, Kuniyoshi; Osugi, Yasuhiro; Deshpande, Gautam A; Arioka, Hiroko. Diagnosis (Berl).

Collection Topics
Epidemiology
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Summary

To effectively reduce the potential for error, it is crucial to examine diagnostic process failures contextually rather than by single contributing factors. This Japanese cross-sectional study examines diagnostic errors linked to unexpected readmissions in general internal medicine, emphasizing the need to analyze recurring failure patterns rather than isolated factors. Two key weaknesses emerged: diagnostic prioritization and urgency appraisal and information acquisition and synthesis. Despite a small sample, identified patterns suggest targetable improvement areas applicable to similar outpatient settings.

Read the paper
Suzuki Y, Nishizawa T, Ozawa H, et al. Patterns of diagnostic errors using hierarchical cluster analysis: a single-center, cross-sectional study in general internal medicine. Diagnosis (Berl). 2026;13(2):224-237.