Deskriptive Fehleranalyse im internistischen Ultraschall der Stufe DEGUM III im Zeitraum 03/2006-03/2013

Descriptive analysis of errors in internal ultrasound of level DEGUM III for the period 03/2006 - 03/2013 Helena Lesker, Prof. Dr. med. C. Görg Purpose: To analyse and describe errors in internal ultrasound and to investigate these with regard to basic factors of influence. Material & methods: Diagnostic errors (n=154) met the inclusion criteria and were analysed retrospectively. Errors were distinguished in the categories major and minor errors (with / without consequences for the patients) as well as preventable and non-preventable errors. Factors of influence like 1. device-related factors, 2. patient-related factors, 3. external factors and 4. observer related factors were differentiated. Results: Major errors occurred at n=43 patients (27,9%); minor errors occurred at n=111 patients (72,1%). In n=40 cases (26%) the errors were considered as preventable and in n=114 cases (74%) as non-preventable. The following factors were influential for the error rate: CEUS, Age of patient, ultrasound conditions, organ regions, daytime, incorrect ultrasound-requirements. Conclusion: The retrospective analysis of errors provides useful approaches for the prevention of errors. The standardised application of a prospective detection, documentation and analysis of errors in every ultrasound laboratory is demanded.