| Abstract: | The desirable attributes of a computer-based diagnostic aid are proposed. These include ease of use, ready accessibility, sound reasoning, completeness, the ability to justify its recommendations, and a system for updating. These principles are illustrated by examples from the authors' diagnostic system (PROVIDES). PROVIDES is a computer-aided diagnosis and medical information system designed for in-office use on a wide variety of microcomputers using the MS-DOS or PC-DOS operating systems. It is organized by the clinical problems frequently encountered in practice. Relevant historical, physical, and routine laboratory findings are collected through a series of menus. These findings are used to generate a ranked differential diagnostic list. Up-to-date information on diagnostic tests, recommended treatments, and expected outcomes is available for each suggested disease. |
