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.
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.
The Kamilaroi-Dunghutti man went to the ED on 14 August telling staff he had felt a popping or tearing sensation in his abdomen and was in “10 out of 10” pain.
An inquest is examining whether racism and bias were factors in a misdiagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is seen in drug users and features vomiting and nausea.
