R18 Closed Loop Diagnostics: AHRQ R18 Patient Safety Learning Laboratories
Grant Number:
R18HS027282
Principal Investigator(s):
Russell S. Phillips, Harvard Medical School
James C. Benneyan, Northeastern University
Gordon D. Schiff, Harvard Medical School
Grant Period:
September 30, 2022 – September 29, 2024
Goals/Purpose:
The proposed research sought to address diagnostic errors due to failures in follow-up. More explicitly the research focused on efforts to “close the loop” on the public health concern of diagnostic errors by employing system engineering methods in three diverse healthcare practices to create a system that provides highly reliable follow-up of diagnostic tests, referrals, and symptom evolution. Results are planned to be disseminated broadly to improve diagnostic safety nationally.
Specific Aims:
- Design, develop, and refine highly reliable “closed loop” systems for diagnostic tests and referrals that ensure these occur within clinically- and patient-important timeframes.
- Design, develop, and refine a highly reliable “closed loop” symptom monitoring system to ensure clinicians receive information about evolving symptoms and physical findings of concern.
- Ensure broader generalizability of results of Aims 1 and 2 by ensuring these new processes are effective in a community health center in an underserved community, a large telemedicine system, and in simulations representing a range of other health system settings and populations.
