Suggestions to Improve Medical Education in China-Learning from Diagnostic Errors of Kidney Diseases

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Authors

  • Jiuhong Li, MBBS Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Department of Nephrology, Nanshan Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Pengfei Wei, MMed Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Zhenfu Zhao, MD Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Meng Li, MSc Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Jin-Wen Hua, BSc Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Ni Xie, MD Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Xiaohua Xie, MMed Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Sheng Lang Zhu, MD Department of Nephrology, Nanshan Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
  • Kunmei Ji, PhD Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17140/NPOJ-2-113

Keywords:

Medical education; Diagnostic error; Kidney disease; Diagnostic mind map.

Abstract

A correct diagnosis is key to deliver the safe and effective medical interventions. However, diagnostic errors that can jeopardize patients’ safety are common in clinical settings. Herein, we
analyzed diagnostic errors in kidney disease cases based on our clinical experience, explored
the factors underlying diagnostic errors, and discussed ways to improve medical education in
China. In kidney disease, diagnosis is complicated by the kidney’s physiological characteristics and the lack of sensitive early diagnostic methods. Additionally, there are shortcomings in
Chinese healthcare service patterns and the Chinese medical education. There are not enough
qualified General Practitioners (GPs) in China, resulting in a low-efficiency referral system.
Clinical training for postgraduates is hindered by the pressure to publish papers. Continuing
medical education in China seems to be oriented improperly, with insufficient focus on the
progress of clinical practice. We believe that targeted measures should be enacted to address the
aforementioned problems in China. Specifically, we recommend that medical education should
incorporate evidence-based diagnostic mind maps and lessons from diagnostic errors.

References

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Published

2016-06-24

How to Cite

Jiuhong Li, MBBS, Pengfei Wei, MMed, Zhenfu Zhao, MD, Meng Li, MSc, Jin-Wen Hua, BSc, Ni Xie, MD, … Kunmei Ji, PhD. (2016). Suggestions to Improve Medical Education in China-Learning from Diagnostic Errors of Kidney Diseases. Nephrology, 2(1), 14–16. https://doi.org/10.17140/NPOJ-2-113

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