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Experimental Psychology (Russia)
2015. Vol. 8, no. 3, 91–98
https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2015080309
ISSN: 2072-7593 / 2311-7036 (online)

The psychology of diagnostic error

 
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Abstract

Diagnostic errors in medicine occur frequently and the consequences for the patient can be severe. Cognitive errors as well as system related errors contribute to the occurrence of diagnostic error, but it is generally accepted that cognitive errors are the main contributor. The diagnostic reasoning process in medicine, is an understudied area of research. One reason is because of the complexity of the diagnostic process and therefore the difficulty to measure diagnostic errors and the causes of diagnostic error. In this paper, I discuss some of the complexities of the diagnostic process. I describe the dual-process theory, which defines two reasoning modes, 1. a fast, automatic and unconscious reasoning mode called system 1, and a slow and analytic reasoning mode called system 2. Furthermore, the main cognitive causes of diagnostic error are described.

General Information

Keywords: diagnostic error, patient safety, cognitive biases, clinical reasoning, psychology

Journal rubric: Psychodiagnostics

OpenAlex citations: 0

OpenAlex trends: Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills, Patient Safety and Medication Errors, Electronic Health Records Systems

Information about the work in OpenAlex

Number of citations: 0

Topics

Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills

This cluster of papers focuses on the importance of cognitive errors in diagnosis, strategies to minimize them, and the impact of clinical reasoning on diagnostic accuracy. It explores cognitive biases, uncertainty in diagnosis, educational interventions to improve diagnostic reasoning, and the development of expertise in medical decision making. The cluster also emphasizes the role of reflective practice and the use of tools like the Script Concordance Test to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

Number of works: 40042  |  Total number of citations: 388196

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Patient Safety and Medication Errors

This cluster of papers focuses on improving patient safety in healthcare settings, with a particular emphasis on addressing medical errors, implementing surgical safety checklists, promoting teamwork training, and cultivating a culture of safety. The research also delves into understanding adverse events, medication errors, communication breakdowns, and the incidence of adverse events to enhance healthcare quality.

Number of works: 56327  |  Total number of citations: 753606

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Electronic Health Records Systems

This cluster of papers focuses on the impact of health information technology (HIT) in healthcare, covering topics such as electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, patient portals, usability engineering, medication errors, data quality assessment, physician burnout, genomic studies, and adoption barriers. The papers discuss the benefits, challenges, and implications of implementing HIT to improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of medical care.

Number of works: 84338  |  Total number of citations: 754576

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Work details in OpenAlex

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2015080309

Published

For citation: Zwaan, L. (2015). The psychology of diagnostic error. Experimental Psychology (Russia), 8(3), 91–98. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/exppsy.2015080309

© Zwaan L., 2015

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

References

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Information About the Authors

Laura Zwaan, Research scientist, Erasmus University Medical Center, Institute for Medical Education Research, Rotterdam, Netherlands, e-mail: l.zwaan@erasmusmc.nl

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