Addressing diagnostic overshadowing in people with disabilities
Official title: End Diagnostic Overshadowing: Understanding and Reducing Diagnostic Error in Patients With Disabilities
Run by Rush University Medical Center · NCT06608758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how doctors sometimes mistake new health problems for symptoms of a disability in people aged 3 to 89, to help create better training for healthcare providers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06608758 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include patients aged 3-89 with specified disabilities who have received billed charges.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under age 3, over age 89, or those with a secondary diagnosis of dementia may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to understand the mechanisms behind diagnostic overshadowing, where symptoms in people with disabilities are misattributed to their disabilities rather than new or co-morbid conditions. Researchers will conduct a baseline audit of CPT code usage among patients aged 3-89 with and without specified disabilities, followed by manual chart reviews to analyze demographic and clinical factors. The goal is to develop educational programs and decision support tools for healthcare professionals to reduce diagnostic errors in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and better healthcare outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of diagnostic overshadowing is recognized, this specific approach to addressing it through systematic audits and education is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Patients aged 3-89 who received billed charges Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under age 3 or over age 89. * Patients with secondary diagnosis of dementia as the population is already known to be at increased risk of diagnostic error
Where it's running
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Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah H Ailey, PhD RN — Rush University College of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Director Research Affairs
- Email: Jennifer_Garcia@rush.edu
- Phone: 312-942-3554
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.