Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2165-7548
ISSN: 2165-7548
SL Gans
Academic Medical Center,
Postbox 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam
England
Research Article
Influence of the use of Decision Tools for Appendicitis and Diverticulitis on Diagnostic Certainty in the Emergency Department
Author(s): SL Gans, JJS Kiewiet, B Mirck, SC Donkervoort, BC Vrouenraets, DJ Gouma and MA BoermeesterSL Gans, JJS Kiewiet, B Mirck, SC Donkervoort, BC Vrouenraets, DJ Gouma and MA Boermeester
Rationale: Correctly identifying patients with acute appendicitis or diverticulitis is a diagnostic challenge. The majority of these patients are referred for additional imaging. Decision tools can be used to prevent over-utilization of imaging by selecting patients for diagnostic imaging. Several decision tools have been developed and validated, however their influence on the use of hospital resources and certainty of diagnosis has not yet been evaluated. The objective of current study was to assess the influence of the use of decision tools on clinical practice. Methods: Between 2009 and 2013 adult patients with acute abdominal pain (AAP) were included in a multicenter prospective cohort study (AAP study). Immediately after clinical evaluation surgical residents recorded their diagnosis and its certainty (VAS score). A decision tool had to be completed in case of suspected acute app.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2165-7548.1000223