While errors in the emergency room can happen at any time, there are some situations that could increase the chances of a mistake. Being aware of the special circumstance can help you to be a better advocate for yourself and your family.
A study determined there is a specific issue that increases the chances of errors within the ER.
Symptoms that do not follow the norm
Odd symptoms could lead a doctor in the wrong direction with a diagnosis. They can impact diagnosis and treatment. This is true for any type of health condition. For example, even a broken bone could be something the doctor overlooks if it is not presenting with the typical symptoms. Sometimes, weird signs a person is experiencing can throw off a doctor and lead to incorrect treatment or delays in diagnosis.
Common tricky conditions
Certain health issues often have a higher level of misdiagnosis, which can delay lifesaving care. Stroke and heart attack are the most common conditions to result in mistakes because they do not always follow the standard presentation.
The reason why odd symptoms and deviations from the standards throw off ER staff is due to the nature of the service. Emergency rooms are fast-paced. They try to move people through very fast so that they can focus on patients who are in life-threatening situations. This can lead to less time spent with patients and less focus on them. Wanting to easily diagnose based on typical symptoms becomes a pattern with healthcare in the ER, which can quickly lead to mistakes.