The critical step to reduce diagnostic errors in medicine: Addressing the limitations of human information processing

Abstract

Over the last 50 years diagnostic testing has improved dramatically and we are now able to diagnose patients faster and more precisely than ever before. However, the incidence of diagnostic errors, particularly of common diseases, has remained relatively stable over time. In this paper, I argue that the intrinsic limitations of human information processing are crucial. The way people process information has not changed over the years and is the main cause of diagnostic error. To take a decisive step forward and substantially reduce the number of diagnostic errors in medicine, we need to create an environment which takes the intrinsic limitations of in human information processing into account.