De-diagnosis and the rabbi’s condition
The blog explores the issue of medical misdiagnosis and the lasting consequences of errors in patient records. The writer recounts a case where a patient, Gaynor, was inaccurately labeled as having dementia for over a decade, despite a later assessment determining she did not have the condition. This mistake led to unnecessary medical reviews and potentially influenced her care. The blog highlights how misdiagnoses—such as asthma, allergies, or medication errors—can have serious repercussions, sometimes even fatal ones. The writer acknowledges that medical errors are an inevitable part of a complex healthcare system and shares examples of past mistakes, including wrong prescriptions and surgical mishaps. The post advocates for greater patient involvement in questioning medical decisions, supporting initiatives like Martha’s Rule, which allows patients and families to request a second opinion. While emphasizing that most doctors act in good faith, the writer encourages patients to critically evaluate medical advice rather than blindly accepting it, recognizing that even experienced professionals can make errors. Ultimately, the message is one of humility, urging both doctors and patients to acknowledge human fallibility in healthcare.
I recently asked a GP to remove the diagnosis ‘dementia’ from their patient’s electronic record. This followed a phone call which began with uncertainty on my part as to the ability of the patient to engage in a clinical conversation, after all, their primary diagnosis was ‘dementia,’ and yet, as with all good lessons, if you have met one person with dementia, you have met one person with…
