What are some strategies for avoiding diagnostic errors?
Some strategies for avoiding diagnostic errors include (1) collecting sufficient and accurate data about the client; (2) analyzing the data thoroughly; (3) using an organizational framework, rather than personal biases, for clustering data cues; (4) adjusting for changes in the client’s condition and nursing diagnosis; (5) validating nursing diagnoses with authoritative sources, client, and/or family; (6) stating the nursing diagnosis as a three-part statement; (7) considering the etiology as a focus for nursing interventions; (8) avoiding using a symptom as a diagnosis; (9) avoiding using a diagnosis as an etiology; (10) avoiding using a disease state as a nursing diagnosis; and (11) stating the diagnosis as a situation that nurses are able to treat.
