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Difficult diagnosis in the ICU: making the right call but beware uncertainty and bias.
March 22, 2023
Pisciotta W, Arina P, Hofmaenner D, et al. Anaesthesia. 2023;78(4):501-509.
A 2012 review estimated that diagnostic errors in the intensive care unit (ICU) may contribute to up to 8% of patient deaths. This narrative review identifies common causes of diagnostic error (e.g., cognitive bias) and suggests a diagnostic framework. Cognitive de-biasing strategies and increasing time spent with the patient are recommended as strategies for reducing diagnostic errors in this vulnerable patient population.
