Doctor says ‘cognitive bias’ behind failed diagnosis of Indigenous patient’s perforated ulcers

But the doctor denied being told the patient had experienced a 'popping' sensation which would have changed treatment.
Australian Associated Press
Ricky ‘Dougie’ Hampson Jr. Photo: AAP.

An ED doctor has admitted “cognitive bias” led to an Indigenous man being wrongly diagnosed with a drug-related condition, rather than ruptured duodenal ulcers that ultimately killed him.

Ricky Hampson Jr, 36, died from two perforated duodenal ulcers on 16 August 2021, less than 24 hours after being discharged from Dubbo Hospital in NSW.