NIH Highlighted Topic: Improving Diagnostic Safety and Quality in Healthcare
Introduction
The purpose of this topic is to encourage research that addresses critical gaps and advances diagnostic excellence across healthcare settings. Three overarching high‑priority strategic research areas are prioritized as follows:
Technology and Innovation
Advancing diagnostic safety and quality through the innovation and development of diagnostic technologies, including:
- Artificial intelligence–enabled tools, such as large language models
- Telehealth and other digital health solutions
- Point of care diagnostic testing
- Enhanced data sources, sensors, and analytic methods
- Other novel diagnostic tests, tools, or measurement approaches
Infrastructure and System Design
Strengthening diagnostic performance by improving system-level infrastructure, including:
- Coordination of care across the full diagnostic trajectory
- Integration of diagnostic processes, clinical tools, and patient-reported information
- Improved communication among patients, clinicians, and care teams
Advancing the Science of Diagnosis
Enhancing the evidence base and scientific foundations of diagnosis by:
- Improving uptake of clinical guidelines and follow-up of abnormal diagnostic results
- Expanding high-quality evidence, particularly from real-world data sources
- Modernizing scientific approaches to disease recognition and diagnostic reasoning
See more information here, including participating NIH Institutes/Centers and their specific interests relating to the Highlighted Topic.
Apply to a highlighted topic through an appropriate NIH Parent Funding Announcement or another broad NIH opportunity available on Grants.gov. Learn how to interpret and use Highlighted Topics.
Please contact Dr. Karen Cielo, Director of Research Development, if you are interested in applying or would like to discuss the opportunity.