Creating a world where no patients are harmed by diagnostic error.
SIDM catalyzes and leads change to improve diagnosis and eliminate harm from diagnostic error, in partnership with patients, their families, the healthcare community and every interested stakeholder.
1 in 3
One-third of malpractice cases that result in death or permanent disability stem from an inaccurate or delayed diagnosis, making it the number one cause of serious harms among medical errors.
*Research published in Diagnosis
Diagnostic errors affect an estimated 12 million Americans each year, and likely cause more harm to patients than all other medical errors combined.
Roughly 40,000‐80,000 deaths in U.S. hospitals each year can be attributed to diagnostic error. It’s about the same number of people who die annually from breast cancer or diabetes.
In the News
Annual Conference Goes Virtual
SIDM is hosting the Diagnostic Error in Medicine 13th Annual International Conference (SIDM2020) virtually on October 19-21, 2020. The theme of the conference is Transforming Education and Practice to Improve Diagnosis. Learn about the latest research and innovations to improve diagnostic quality and safety.
SIDM Supports National Action Plan to Advance Patient Safety
SIDM joins with the National Steering Committee for Patient Safety (NSC) to announce the release of a National Action Plan intended to provide health systems with renewed momentum and clearer direction for eliminating preventable medical harm.
17 Organizations Awarded Grants to Test Innovations that Improve Diagnosis And Reduce Disparities
SIDM is issuing the first of three grant rounds, totaling $3 million, as part of the organization’s DxQI Seed Grant Program. The initial awards are up to $50,000 for 17 organizations testing interventions to improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of diagnoses.
COVID-19 Testing Is Confusing. What You Need to Know Now.
If you’re concerned you might have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it, or you’ve been asked to get tested by your work or school, here are answers to your questions about how to get the right test and the correct diagnosis.
SIDM2020 Preview with Co-Chair Ashley Meyer
SIDM2020 Co-Chair Ashley Meyer is passionate about highlighting the community’s work to improve diagnosis and is excited to share it at this year’s Diagnostic Error in Medicine 13th Annual International Conference (SIDM2020).
Better Communication for Better Diagnostic Outcomes
Coalition member Children's Hospital Association discusses their new Improving Communication to Enhance Diagnostic Safety toolkit designed to address communication challenges that contribute to diagnostic error. Learn more about their work with Child Health PSO to improve diagnostic quality and safety.
New Resources to Address Diagnostic Error
SIDM has released two new guides for hospitals and health systems in reducing harm from diagnostic errors. Each guide leverages the lived-experience, insights and expertise of Patient Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) to help drive change to improve diagnostic quality and safety.
SIDM2020 Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for the Diagnostic Error in Medicine 13th Annual International Conference (SIDM2020), taking place virtually October 19-21, 2020. Our theme is Transforming Education & Practice to Improve Diagnosis.
Join the Online Community
Become a part of SIDM's online community and
start conversations, discover resources, and network with your peers.