Addressing diagnostic overshadowing in people with disabilities
End Diagnostic Overshadowing: Addressing Ableism in the Healthcare Context
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06608758 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients aged 3-89 with specified disabilities who have received billed charges.
Not a fit: Patients under age 3, over age 89, or those with a secondary diagnosis of dementia may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While the concept of diagnostic overshadowing is recognized, this specific approach to addressing it through systematic audits and education is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.