Episode one – What else could it be?

from Safety and Quality in Action Hosted by Clinical Excellence Commission

This episode is the first of four in a podcast series titled, "What else can it be? Preventing harm from diagnostic error in NSW Health facilities", to mark World Patient Safety Day on 17 September 2024. This series on diagnostic error features a discussion between Dr Melanie Berry, Emergency Physician, Western NSW Local Health District, and Dr Matthew Smith, Executive Clinical Director, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District. The doctors share their experiences and insights on correct and timely diagnoses with the podcast hosts, members of the CEC’s Patient Safety Directorate, Kate Christopher and Ryan Thomas. In the first episode of this series, Kate explains that diagnostic error contributes to about 16% of preventable harm globally; with Australian statistics ranging between 11% and 13% of preventable patient harm. Ryan then presents vignettes to stimulate conversation between Dr Smith and Dr Berry on "anchoring" and their hypothetical reactions to these hypothetical case studies. The Safety and Quality in Action podcast series aims to explore the experiences and insights from leaders in safety and quality. We hope you continue listening to our safety and quality conversations featuring clinicians sharing their journey and their learnings. You can also explore our rich archive of previous seasons on your preferred podcast platform. To discover more about the Clinical Excellence Commission, visit our website ⁠⁠www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au⁠.