After analyzing the cardiovascular malpractice cases of 153 patients, researchers found 63 percent displayed at least one risk factor for current cardiovascular disease, such as tobacco use, diabetes or a history of cardiovascular illness. Diagnoses of nonspecific chest pain and conditions with symptoms that mimic cardiovascular illness were common among this patient set. These inaccurate diagnoses were associated with the malpractice claims resulting in payouts to patients.
“Missed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in the outpatient general medicine setting represents an important patient safety risk,” concluded the study’s authors. “Our findings may help guide quality improvement efforts aimed at decreasing diagnostic errors and improving patient safety in the outpatient general medicine setting.”
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