Detection and correction of house staff error in physical diagnosis

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Abstract
A significant number of errors in physical examination can be detected when house staff are observed by attending physicians. Observation of residents and interns showed a total error of 13.1 and 15.6%, respectively, with incorrect findings of 3.3 and 4.9% and omitted findings of 9.8 and 10.7%, respectively. Of all patients examined, .apprx. 2/3 had at least 1 error noted. A method was instituted for detecting and correcting these errors, that can be integrated into daily attending rounds. Using this method, a statistically significant decrease in the number of errors was shown. The method emphasizes the physical examination pertinent to the patient''s main problem, consumes very little rounding time and is well received by attending physicians and house officers.

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