The Practice of Medicine: Understanding Diagnostic Error

摘要

The medical community abides by oaths and expectations as they care for patients, with the general consensus of "do no harm" to the patient. One of the most feared acts is a medical error that could have been avoided. Included in medical errors are diagnostic errors, which can occur in all areas of medicine. Under-standing our decision-making process can improve our diagnostic skills and identify any influences leading to an error. This article will provide nurse practitioners with ways to become more self-aware with every patient encounter and improve their understanding of diagnostic error. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.