Steps Patients Can Take to Avoid Diagnostic Errors

The following is direct quote from Minimizing Diagnostic Error: 10 Things You Could Do Tomorrow, Lists for physicians,patients,and healthcare organizations http://www.isabelhealthcare.com/pdf/Graber___Minimizing_Diagnostic_Error.pdf

"Steps patients can take to avoid diagnostic errors

1. Be a good historian. Keep records of your symptoms, when they started, and how they have responded (or not) to treatment.
2. Take advantage of cancer screening.
3. Make sure you know your test results and keep accurate records of these results. Don’t assume no news is good news. Follow up if you don’t receive copies or the results of tests and consults.
4. SPEAK UP! Ask:
a. What else could it be?
b. What should I expect?
c. When and how should I follow up if symptoms persist or worsen?
d. What resources can I use to learn more?
e. Is this test worthwhile? Can we wait? (More testing does not always mean better care!)
5. Don’t assume the healthcare system will adequately coordinate your care. Keep your own records, and help coordinate your own care.
6. Provide feedback about diagnostic errors to providers and organizations.
7. Understand that diagnosis always involves some element of uncertainty.
8. Get a second opinion regarding serious diagnoses or unresolved symptoms.
9. Take advantage of help and support: Support groups, patient safety staff, patient advocates."