Table 1.
Nature of failures and description derived from the Institute of Medicine’s report.
| Nature of failure | Failure description |
| Information gathering 1 | Unable to elicit key information |
| Information gathering 2 | Unable to get key history |
| Information gathering 3 | Missed key physical findings |
| Information gathering 4 | Failed to order or perform needed tests |
| Information gathering 5 | Inappropriate review of test results |
| Information gathering 6 | Wrong tests ordered |
| Information gathering 7 | Tests ordered in wrong sequence |
| Information gathering 8 | Technical errors in handling, labeling, and processing of tests |
| Information integration 1 | Wrong hypothesis generation |
| Information integration 2 | Inaccurate suboptimal weighing and prioritization |
| Information integration 3 | Unable to recognize or weigh urgency |
| Information integration 4 | Information from other teams not available |
| Information interpretation 1 | Inaccurate interpretation of history |
| Information interpretation 2 | Inaccurate interpretation of physical findings |
| Information interpretation 3 | Inaccurate interpretation of test results |
| Establish explanation of diagnosis 1 | Delay in considering diagnosis |
| Establish explanation of diagnosis 2 | Patient develops infections or other complications |
| Establish explanation of diagnosis 3 | Information missed to form hypothesis because of health information technology |
| Establish explanation of diagnosis 4 | Signs and symptoms not recognized for specific disease |
| Establish explanation of diagnosis 5 | Delay or missed follow-up |