Emergency rooms are some of the most chaotic medical environments imaginable. Large Chicago hospitals and public safety‑net hospitals frequently experience crowding and patient boarding in emergency departments (EDs). Further, factors like high public transit usage in the area mean that a bus or train collision in the city can create a surge that stresses nearby EDs.
Unfortunately, diagnostic errors in emergency rooms are a recognized problem, especially when they are very busy. Why do so many patients get misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all?
Factors affecting misdiagnoses
Communication can be a significant contributor. In an emergency room setting, everything happens very quickly, including conversations. There could be communication issues between providers. Patients may relate information to one worker who does not communicate with others or update the patient’s chart. The patient may assume that workers are aware of their previous statements when they are not. Additionally, in diverse areas like Chicago, there may be issues caused by a language barrier.
Other times, bias can influence diagnostic procedures. Medical workers may be less likely to believe the self-reported symptoms of certain people because of the stereotypes that the staff have internalized. The need to make snap judgments can also result in emergency room workers overlooking key factors that could influence the diagnosis of the patient.
Limited time also can play a role. Emergency departments must prioritize life‑threatening conditions and often arrange follow‑up or outpatient testing when appropriate. Because the diagnostic process can be quite lengthy, there is not enough time to get all the information to make an accurate diagnosis. As such, some non‑immediately‑life‑threatening diagnoses get delayed.
These obstacles can contribute to a wrong or missed diagnosis. However, those who have been harmed by a diagnostic error in the emergency room have options and rights worth protecting. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit may be an option, depending on the details of a case and the nature of injuries or illnesses.