iPad app targets appropriate exams

The University of Western Australia's Centre for Software Practice (CSP) has released Diagnostic Imaging Pathways, an iPad application that helps clinicians choose the most appropriate diagnostic imaging examinations in a wide range of clinical scenarios.

CSP developed the diagnostic education and decision support tool in collaboration with the department of imaging services at the Royal Perth Hospital in Perth, Australia.

Diagnostic Imaging Pathways includes more than 130 pathways covering all major organ systems and common clinical scenarios. The pathways have been developed based on broad clinical consensus and best-available evidence, and are under continuous review and development.

The application will help physicians make the right decisions delivering the right treatment at the right place and the right time, said Richard Mendelson, MD, clinical professor of surgery at Royal Perth Hospital and the principle clinical lead behind Diagnostic Imaging Pathways.

"Thirty percent of imaging requests are incorrect or inappropriate—the iPad application will help make sure that patients have the best chance of getting the most accurate diagnosis," Mendelson said.

CSP noted that having the pathways available on a platform like the iPad ensures that physicians will be able to rapidly access vital information.

The partners plan to develop future pathways that involve pathology and clinical referral guidelines.

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