The "Diagnostic Timeout": A Scoping Review of Interprofessional Huddles to Prevent Diagnostic Error in Complex Hospitalized Patients
Abstract
Background: Diagnostic error, a major patient safety threat, often arises from fragmented data and cognitive bias, not information lack. Critical patient information is siloed among nurses, lab scientists, radiologists, and pharmacists without a proactive synthesis mechanism.
Aim: This scoping review maps evidence (2015-2024) on structured "diagnostic timeout" huddles designed to integrate dispersed data and prevent errors in complex hospitalized patients.
Methods: Employing systematic scoping methodology, five databases were searched for literature on structured, proactive meetings involving nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology professionals addressing diagnostic uncertainty.
Results: Analysis of 42 sources identified four primary models (e.g., Safety Huddles, Diagnostic Management Teams). Core processes involve structured triggers, disciplined communication (e.g., adapted SBAR), and closed-loop accountability. Enablers include strong leadership, protected time, and psychological safety. Outcomes suggest reduced diagnostic delays and improved team awareness.
Conclusion: The diagnostic timeout formalizes interprofessional consultation into a replicable safety strategy, requiring deliberate design and leadership. Future research should standardize outcomes and assess the cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
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References
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Munirah Ahmed Almodeer, Jamila J Sultan Almoriry, Nora Soud Almotairi, Saad Hamoud Qahtan Alshehri, Sultan Mohammed Khormi, Sami Khalaf Mulfi Alsharari, Kasam Mohammad S Alsharari, Aisha Amzaidy Assiry, Samiah Saleh Alanazi, Ali Dhifallah Bakheet Alzahrani, Metad Abdulaziz Almotery, Nouf Shargi Alenezi
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