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Developing a framework for understanding diagnostic reconciliation based on evidence review, stakeholder engagement, and practice evaluation

  • Sandra Algarin Perneth , Gilberto Perez Rodriguez Garcia , Juan P. Brito , Tejal Gandhi , Carma L. Bylund , Ian G. Hargraves and Naykky Singh Ospina EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: December 10, 2024

Abstract

Objectives

Diagnostic reconciliation is the collaborative process between patients and clinicians to create and reconcile evidence-based, feasible, and desirable care plans. However, the specific components of this process remain unclear. The objective of this study was to develop the first comprehensive framework to elucidate the diagnostic reconciliation process.

Methods

We followed a multi-step and iterative approach to develop the framework, including a focused systematic review of diagnostic conversations, quantitative evaluation of recordings of real-life clinical visits recordings, and stakeholder engagement (e.g., patients, clinicians, researchers).

Results

We identified 17 potential components to the process of diagnostic reconciliation through literature review and stakeholder engagement. After review of 56 clinical visits and further stakeholder engagement, we developed a final framework including four categories: 1) understanding the need for a test/referral, 2) logistics of test/referral scheduling, 3) test/referral information, and 4) test/referral results.

Conclusions

The proposed framework lays the foundation for evaluation and improvement of diagnostic conversations in practice. Clinicians can enhance patient-centered diagnosis by co-creating diagnostic plans of care in practice and using the components described in the novel diagnostic reconciliation framework.


Corresponding author: Naykky Singh Ospina, MD, MS, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Room H2, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA, E-mail:
Sandra Algarin Perneth and Gilberto Perez Rodriguez Garcia contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.

Award Identifier / Grant number: K08CA248972

  1. Research ethics: The University of Florida Institutional Review Board approved the study.

  2. Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study.

  3. Author contributions: NSO, JBP, IH conceptualized and designed the study. NSO, GPR, SAP reviewed clinical videos. NSO led the stakeholder panel meetings. GPR, SAP, and NSO wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors assisted in the interpretation of research findings, provided critical feedback on the manuscript, and approved the revised version. The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: This project was supported by the National Academy of Medicine Excellence in Diagnosis Scholar Program. NSO was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K08CA248972. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

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Supplementary Material

This article contains supplementary material (https://doi.org/10.1515/dx-2024-0132).


Received: 2024-07-29
Accepted: 2024-11-01
Published Online: 2024-12-10

© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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