Looking forward to the upcoming SIDM conference and wanted to let everyone know that AHRQ is developing survey items focused on diagnostic safety that can be added to the Surveys on Patient Safety Culture™ (SOPS®) Medical Office Survey. The goals of the survey items are to:
• Measure the extent to which the organizational culture in medical offices supports the diagnostic process, accurate diagnoses, and communication around diagnoses.
• Raise awareness about the aspects of the diagnosis process that reflect an organization's patient safety culture.
• Conduct research to assist in identifying processes and sources of error in diagnosis.
We are currently pilot testing the items with clinicians and staff in more than 50 medical offices. AHRQ expects to release the new item set in spring 2021. Additional information about the development process and future updates can be found at https://www.ahrq.gov/sops/events/news/dxsafety.html
Joann Sorra, PhD, Associate Director, Westat
Center for Healthcare Delivery Research and Evaluation
Rockville, MD 20850-3129
joannsorra@westat.com
