|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WSJ Examines Diagnostic-Decision Support Software
May 24, 2005
|
The Wall Street Journal on
Monday examined how advocates of "diagnostic-decision support software"
-- technology that aims to help doctors analyze patients' symptoms and
make a diagnosis -- believe the devices could catch on, despite the
medical community's reluctance to adopt the technology. The programs
are designed to allow doctors to enter a patient's basic information --
including age, sex and symptoms -- and receive a list of various
diseases or conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
The
diagnoses can be ranked by likelihood or medical category, and some
systems also allow doctors to access articles from medical journals on
current research into a disease. According to the Journal, many
physicians consider such software, which can cost as much as $750
annually, "too time-consuming and cumbersome" to be worth the
investment. Some also are concerned that relying on computer technology
increases the potential for medical errors, and as a result only 2% of
doctors in the United States use the technology.
However,
proponents of the technology say that as physicians become more adept
at using computer technology -- through use of electronic medical
records and PDAs -- acceptance of electronic diagnostic tools will
grow. In addition, they say that "pressure is building from regulators,
insurers and patients" to provide more-efficient and higher-quality
health care, the Journal reports. Manufacturers of the software
also point to the potential return on investment doctors could receive
using the software, including avoiding costly medical malpractice
lawsuits (Borzo, Wall Street Journal, 5/23).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
