Many studies [[report]] that the most common cause for [[malpractice]] claims is "[[diagnostic error]] including [[delayed diagnosis]]/ [[missed diagnosis]]/ [[wrong diagnosis]]".

To identify factors associated with severe harm and [[mortality]] in malpractice claims due to delayed/wrong diagnosis, Shahaf et al. reviewed records of malpractice claims against Clalit Health Services due to delayed/failed diagnosis in [[2010]]-[[2019]].

The study included 354 claims (60.9% males, median age: 48). [[Primary care]] [[physician]]s were involved in a third of cases. The most common correct diagnoses were [[cardiovascular disease]] (21%), [[infection]] (19%) and [[cancer]] (16%). The level of [[harm]] was moderate in 38%, and severe in 24%, while 25% died. In a [[multivariable]] analysis, factors associated with severe harm were age, cancer or a cardiovascular disease, the department involved (pediatrics, internal medicine or primary care were associated with severe harm) and the physician's specialty (neurology/neurosurgery associated with severe harm). Factors associated with [[mortality]] included age, cancer or a cardiovascular disease, involvement of the internal medicine department and the physician's specialty (internal medicine associated with mortality).

About half of [[malpractice claim]]s involved delayed/failed diagnosis resulting in severe [[harm]] or [[mortality]]. Factors associated with severe harm and mortality include age, the diagnosis and the medical specialty involved.

It is important to be familiar with delayed/failed diagnosis as a major cause of harm in health services and in malpractice claims
((Shahaf P, Imber-Shahar T, Djarasi R, Weistein O, Dreiher J. [DIAGNOSTIC ERROR: PREDICTING THE SEVERITY OF HARM]. Harefuah. 2022 Mar;161(3):149-155. Hebrew. PMID: 36259399.)).