Misdiagnosis, Missed Diagnosis, and Delayed Diagnosis of Lupus: A Qualitative Study of Rheumatologists.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Diagnostic errors in outpatient settings lead to significant consequences, especially in rare diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A recent vignette-based experimental study revealed that demographic factors influenced rheumatologists' diagnoses of SLE, raising concerns about potential diagnostic biases. We conducted a qualitative study to contextualize these results to generate insights about diagnostic challenges and biases, and root causes.

Methods

We conducted 41 semistructured interviews among US rheumatologists. Transcripts were independently coded by at least two coders using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach and thematic analysis. A team of four researchers reviewed and defined themes collectively, and also resolved any discrepancies.

SUBMITTER: Bane S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11524767 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature