Technical Series on Safer Primary Care: Diagnostic errors

Overview

Diagnosis is one of the most important tasks performed by primary care providers. Diagnostic errors can lead to patient harm from wrong or delayed testing or treatment. They have emerged as a global priority in patient safety.

This monograph raises awareness among the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States about strategies that could be implemented to reduce diagnostic errors in primary care. After outlining the approach taken to compile information, the monograph describes the importance of examining diagnostic errors, the most common types of diagnostic errors in primary care, and potential solutions.