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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Debate

Using value of information to guide evaluation of decision supports for differential diagnosis: is it time for a new look?

Authors: R Scott Braithwaite, Matthew Scotch

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Decision support systems for differential diagnosis have traditionally been evaluated on the basis of criteria how sensitively and specifically they are able to identify the correct diagnosis established by expert clinicians.

Discussion

This article questions whether evaluation criteria pertaining to identifying the correct diagnosis are most appropriate or useful. Instead it advocates evaluation of decision support systems for differential diagnosis based on the criterion of maximizing value of information.

Summary

This approach quantitatively and systematically integrates several important clinical management priorities, including avoiding serious diagnostic errors of omission and avoiding harmful or expensive tests.
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Metadata
Title
Using value of information to guide evaluation of decision supports for differential diagnosis: is it time for a new look?
Authors
R Scott Braithwaite
Matthew Scotch
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6947-13-105

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