Abstract
A previous study demonstrated the capacity of a computer (MEDITEL) to assist in the diagnosis of difficult pediatric problems. A study was undertaken to determine if the use of a computer diagnosis would hasten the time of initial diagnosis and reduce laboratory studies. A total of 67 pts. were studied. Pts. were selected if at the time of admission a diagnosis was not clearly evident. In 34 pts. the computer list of differential diagnoses was placed on the chart for the use of the house officer, while 33 pts. served as controls and the print-out retained by the chief resident. Review at discharge revealed that the time from admission to diagnosis was the same for both the computer (2.1 days) and control groups (2.8 days); the total number of laboratory studies ordered was similar (13.7 vs. 13.6); as was the number of irrelevant laboratory studies (1.3 vs. 2.3). When pts. in the control group, in whom a diagnosis had not been made within 48 hours, were contrasted with those in the computer group, it was found that the days to diagnosis was longer (4.48 vs. 3.40) and the number of irrelevant laboratory studies larger (3.57 vs. 1.50). Based on these observations, it would appear that in a univ. hospital setting, the routine use of computer assisted diagnosis will not decrease hospitalization costs but can be of benefit in those pts. in whom a diagnosis has not been established within 2 days of admission.
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Wexler, J., Swender, P., Tunnessen, W. et al. IMPACT OF COMPUTER ASSISTED DIAGNOSIS ON HOSPITAL STAY. Pediatr Res 8, 346 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00037
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00037
