Leanne Stunkel1, Nancy J Newman1,2,3, Valérie Biousse1,2. 1. Department of Ophthalmology. 2. Department of Neurology. 3. Department of Neurological Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the recent literature on diagnostic error relevant to the practice of neuro-ophthalmology, and evaluates the potential for increased access to neuro-ophthalmology to decrease rates of diagnostic error, thereby reducing medical harm and spending on unnecessary tests and treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite medical advances, current research continues to show alarmingly high rates of diagnostic error. Research into diagnostic error shows that many of these errors can be traced to cognitive errors. Recent studies on diagnostic problems relevant to neuro-ophthalmology, including studies of misdiagnosis of posterior communicating artery aneurysms, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis, and optic nerve sheath meningiomas, have identified major causes of diagnostic error in these conditions. SUMMARY: Studies on diagnostic error in neuro-ophthalmologic conditions show that prior to evaluation by a neuro-ophthalmologist, patients may undergo unnecessary tests and treatments that are costly and potentially harmful. Further research on diagnostic error will inform better utilization of neuro-ophthalmologists as a resource to decrease diagnostic error.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the recent literature on diagnostic error relevant to the practice of neuro-ophthalmology, and evaluates the potential for increased access to neuro-ophthalmology to decrease rates of diagnostic error, thereby reducing medical harm and spending on unnecessary tests and treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite medical advances, current research continues to show alarmingly high rates of diagnostic error. Research into diagnostic error shows that many of these errors can be traced to cognitive errors. Recent studies on diagnostic problems relevant to neuro-ophthalmology, including studies of misdiagnosis of posterior communicating artery aneurysms, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis, and optic nerve sheath meningiomas, have identified major causes of diagnostic error in these conditions. SUMMARY: Studies on diagnostic error in neuro-ophthalmologic conditions show that prior to evaluation by a neuro-ophthalmologist, patients may undergo unnecessary tests and treatments that are costly and potentially harmful. Further research on diagnostic error will inform better utilization of neuro-ophthalmologists as a resource to decrease diagnostic error.
Authors: Gordon D Schiff; Omar Hasan; Seijeoung Kim; Richard Abrams; Karen Cosby; Bruce L Lambert; Arthur S Elstein; Scott Hasler; Martin L Kabongo; Nela Krosnjar; Richard Odwazny; Mary F Wisniewski; Robert A McNutt Journal: Arch Intern Med Date: 2009-11-09
Authors: Alexander Andrea Tarnutzer; Seung-Han Lee; Karen A Robinson; Zheyu Wang; Jonathan A Edlow; David E Newman-Toker Journal: Neurology Date: 2017-03-29 Impact factor: 9.910