Computer-aided decision support in acute abdominal pain, with special reference to the EC concerted action

• Published in: International journal of bio-medical computing Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 183 - 188
• Main Author: De Dombal, F.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Barking Elsevier B.V 01.09.1990; Applied Science Publishers
• Subjects: Abdominal Pain - etiology; Acute abdominal pain; Acute Disease; Biological and medical sciences; Computerized, statistical medical data processing and models in biomedicine; Computers; Decision support; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; Humans; Medical sciences; Acute abdominal pain; Computers; Decision support; Decision aid; Digestive diseases; Abdominal disease; Computer aid; Computerized processing
• ISSN: 0020-7101
• DOI: 10.1016/0020-7101(90)90041-R

This presentation describes the use of computer aided decision support in acute abdominal pain. The need for such support is explored and the feasibility of providing support is described with reference to studies involving nearly 100 000 patients. It is argued that the provision of computer aided decision support can lead to substantial and practical benefit in clinical care — but this is mostly due to the constant stimulus towards “doing it right”. This in turn depends upon the provision of a consensus view of “good medicine” in the area concerned; and on an international level strongly argues the case for multi-national cooperative studies to define good medicine and make it available. One such study (the European Community Concerted Action on Acute Abdominal Pain) is described.