Q: In the past year, has your emergency department experienced diagnostic errors related to: This white paper is the first of a three-part series exploring diagnostic challenges in emergency, ambulatory, and hospital settings. In this paper, we investigate: • How often diagnostic errors are occurring, and in which settings, based on data from closed malpractice claims.* • Why EDs are particularly vulnerable to diagnostic error. • Where errors typically occur, and which diagnoses are most likely to be missed. • Details about how diagnostic errors occur in infection, vascular, and orthopedic cases – the top three categories revealed by Coverys data. • Recommendations to help reduce diagnostic errors in your ED. • A self-assessment to help identify systems and educational opportunities. ( 1 ) AUTHORS Dana Siegal, RN, CPHRM, CPPS Vice President, Risk Management & Analytics Maryann Small, MBA Senior Director, Risk Management & Analytics Susan L. Montminy, EdD, MPA, BSN, RN, FASHRM, CPHRM, CPPS Director, Risk Management Marlene Icenhower, BSN, JD, CPHRM Senior Risk Specialist Michelle Bondurant, RN, CP Clinical Data Manager, Risk Management & Analytics *Coverys evaluated 6,050 events that closed between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, and identified 436 specific events where a diagnostic error in the ED was alleged. Unless otherwise indicated, statistics and information in this publication were derived from this proprietary data. Communication Failure Bias Test Interpretation If so, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common diagnoses and points of diagnostic failure in emergency departments (EDs). | HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT | Exposing the Drivers of Diagnostic Error A DOSE OF INSIGHT ® Coverys | Infection/Sepsis CVA Fracture & Other Orthopedic Conditions