WHO calls for improved diagnosis to ensure patient safety

In recognition of the critical role that accurate and timely diagnoses play in ensuring patient safety, the World Health Organization (WHO) has placed this issue at the forefront of its agenda for this year’s World Patient Safety Day.

With the theme "Get it right, make it safe!", the global health body is urging healthcare systems worldwide to improve the diagnostic process, in a bid to reduce diagnostic errors and prevent harm to patients.

“Accurate and timely diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment and preventive interventions,” said a WHO spokesperson.

“Without a correct diagnosis, patients may not receive the treatment they need in a timely manner, leading to avoidable harm, prolonged illness, or even death. Diagnostic errors account for 16% of preventable harm in healthcare settings, which is why we are focusing on this issue for World Patient Safety Day.”

The diagnostic process is inherently complex and involves multiple steps, including initial patient consultation, clinical examination, testing, and a thorough review of results before a diagnosis is confirmed. Errors can occur at any point in this sequence.

"The journey from symptoms to diagnosis is not always straightforward, and many factors can complicate the process. It requires not only the expertise of healthcare professionals but also collaboration with patients and families," the WHO spokesperson added.

According to WHO, diagnostic errors can be divided into several categories: missed diagnoses, incorrect diagnoses, delayed diagnoses, or miscommunication of results. Each of these can have severe consequences.

"A missed diagnosis may mean that a patient’s condition worsens unnecessarily, while a delayed diagnosis might cause the treatment window for a serious condition to close, making effective treatment more difficult or impossible," WHO officials noted.

For example, in diseases like cancer, early detection is often key to survival. A delayed diagnosis can limit treatment options and negatively impact the patient's quality of life.

Similarly, in acute conditions like heart attacks or strokes, any delay in diagnosis can significantly increase the risk of death or permanent disability.

WHO emphasizes that diagnostic errors can occur in any healthcare setting, from primary care clinics to specialized hospitals.

"The potential for error exists in every stage of the diagnostic process," said WHO, "and thus, healthcare providers need to focus on improving systems to minimize these risks."

The global health body is calling on healthcare policymakers to implement strategies that reduce diagnostic errors and enhance patient safety.

Recommendations include improving the quality of diagnostic tools, ensuring health workers have access to continuous education, and creating supportive work environments.

"Policy-makers and healthcare leaders have a responsibility to create systems that support accurate diagnoses by providing healthcare workers with the tools and training they need," WHO said.

Patients are also seen as crucial partners in the diagnostic process.

"Diagnosis is a team effort. Engaging patients and their families is essential to ensuring the right outcome. Patients must be empowered to voice their concerns and be active participants in their healthcare journey," WHO stressed.

World Patient Safety Day will serve as a platform to bring attention to the challenges surrounding diagnostic safety.

On this day, WHO expects healthcare leaders, health workers, patients, and civil society to come together and discuss the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis as a key component of patient safety.

“We must remember that behind every diagnosis is a human life. Getting it right is not only a matter of professional excellence but of compassion and responsibility,” WHO concluded.