Study Finds Inappropriate Diagnosis of Pneumonia Common in Hospitalized Adults

Inappropriate diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in hospitalized adults is common, especially among older adults and those with dementia, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study found that 12.0 percent of hospitalized patients treated for CAP met criteria for inappropriate diagnosis, with 87.6 percent receiving full antibiotic courses. The study highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment to minimize the risks associated with underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of CAP.