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Getting the Right Diagnosis

A timely and accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective medical care, guiding appropriate treatment and improving patient outcomes. However, diagnostic errors—such as missed, delayed, or incorrect diagnoses—remain a significant global patient safety concern, leading to unnecessary treatments, increased healthcare costs, and preventable harm.

At the WPA, we advocate for safe and accurate diagnosis by promoting patient-centered care, empowering individuals to be active participants in their healthcare journey, and ensuring equitable access to advanced diagnostic tools and technologies. WPA believes in enabling patients and their families to actively engage with health workers and health care leaders to improve diagnostic processes.

We work closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient organizations worldwide to establish best practices, improve communication between patients and providers, and support training initiatives that enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Through our global efforts, WPA aims to reduce diagnostic errors, strengthen healthcare systems, and uphold every patient’s right to a timely and precise diagnosis, ultimately fostering safer healthcare for all.

WPSD Webinar on Diagnosis
2024 webinar recording with Prof Gordon Schiff
WPSD Webinar on Diagnosis
Supplemental slides from Prof Schiff
Workshop on Patients Safety: Diagnostic Errors
2023 webinar recording with Dr Hardeep Singh
Workshop on Patients Safety: Diagnostic Errors
Pdf of slides from 2023 webinar
WHO 2024 World Patient Safety Day
WHO 2024 campaign materials on safe diagnosis
Working together to reach a diagnosis
Prof Schiff uncertainty tool

US AHRQ Toolkit for Engaging Patients To Improve Diagnostic Safety
Be the Expert on You
US AHRQ Facts about Diagnostic Error
Infographic

US AHRQ Calibrate DX
A guide to evaluating and improving diagnostic performance
Improving Diagnosis in Healthcare
Seminal report from the US National Academy of Sciences
Checklist for Getting the right Diagnosis
US National Academy of Sciences
Diagnostic toolkit for patients
Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine
Cecilia Nantume, WPA Africa Region Steering Committee
A diagnostic error averted by asking the right questions
Kevin's story
Margaret Murphy, Patients for Patient Safety Ireland


Battle Scars
A courageous memoir of one person's life experience within our health care system.

Diagnostic Errors
The patient is in! Understanding the diagnostic process.

High-Priority Practices for Diagnostic Excellence
Institute for Healthcare Improvement Safer Dx Checklist

Videos

WPA video on Patient Rights

English

When you visit your doctor, how can you be sure you're receiving the right diagnosis?

English

Spanish

An introduction to Medication safety

English

Spanish

How many medications are too many?

English

Spanish

How do you talk to your healthcare provider?

English

Spanish

How do you raise concerns about a patient’s condition in the hospital?

English

Spanish