Suggestions to Improve Medical Education in China-Learning from Diagnostic Errors of Kidney Diseases
A correct diagnosis is key to deliver the safe and effective medical interventions.
However, diagnostic errors that can jeopardize patients’ safety are common in clinical settings.
Herein, we analyzed diagnostic errors in kidney disease cases based on our clinical experience,
explored the factors underlying diagnostic errors, and discussed ways to improve
medical education in China.
In kidney disease, diagnosis is complicated by the kidney’s physiological characteristics
and the lack of sensitive early diagnostic methods. Additionally, there are shortcomings in
Chinese healthcare service patterns and the Chinese medical education.
There are not enough qualified General Practitioners in China, resulting in a low-efficiency referral system.
Clinical training for postgraduates is hindered by the pressure to publish papers.
Continuing medical education in China seems to be oriented improperly, with insufficient focus on the
progress of clinical practice. We believe that targeted measures should be enacted to address the
aforementioned problems in China.
Specifically, we recommend that medical education should incorporate
evidence-based diagnostic mind maps and lessons from diagnostic errors.
Correct diagnosis is a prerequisite to providing proper medical treatment.
However, to err is human.
Diagnostic errors occur often in clinical settings, which may bring about detrimental
consequences such as treatment delays and even mortality.
We have collected 1,662 cases involving chronic kidney failure misdiagnosis
in 61 Chinese medical articles, published from 2004 to 2013.
The time to rectify the misdiagnosis in these cases varied from less than a month to several years.
The prevalence of misdiagnosis is partly due to the kidney’s physiological characteristics and
a lack of early diagnostic methods. Owing to the kidney’s strong compensatory ability, patients.
Nephrol Open J. 2016; 2(1): 14-16. doi: 10.17140/NPOJ-2-113
