@article{851, keywords = {cognitive errors, errors in laboratory medicine, laboratory-related errors, patient safety, quality indicators, system-related errors}, author = {Mario Plebani}, title = {System-related and cognitive errors in laboratory medicine.}, abstract = {

Current efforts focusing on better defining the prevalence of diagnostic errors, their causes and remediation strategies should address the role of laboratory testing and its contribution to high-quality care as well as a possible source of diagnostic errors. Data collected in the last few years highlight the vulnerability of extra-analytical phases of the testing cycle and the need for programs aiming to improve all steps of the process. Further studies have clarified the nature of laboratory-related errors, namely the evidence that both system-related and cognitive factors account for most errors in laboratory medicine. Technology developments are effective in decreasing the rates of system-related errors but organizational issues play a fundamental role in assuring a real improvement in quality and safety in laboratory processes. Educational interventions as well as technology-based interventions have been proposed to reduce the risk of cognitive errors. However, to reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient safety, clinical laboratories have to embark on a paradigmatic shift restoring the nature of laboratory services as an integral part of the diagnostic and therapy process.

}, year = {2018}, journal = {Diagnosis (Berl)}, volume = {5}, pages = {191-196}, month = {12/2018}, issn = {2194-802X}, doi = {10.1515/dx-2018-0085}, language = {eng}, }