Medical informatics and pediatrics: decision-support systems

Article Abstract:

Medical diagnostic decision-support (MDDS) systems can assist doctors in making diagnoses and treating patients. MDDS systems enable doctors to manage the overwhelming amount of medical information, increase diagnostic accuracy, and make medically and financially optimal treatment decisions. Primarily, MDDS systems offer possible diagnoses in response to the doctor's input of history, clinical findings, and test results. They can also present treatment options, remind doctors of the need for screening tests or prevention information, calculate drug dosages, and warn against potential adverse reactions or complications. Fears of interference with patient rapport, loss of physician autonomy, expanse of legal liability, and the belief that it is too difficult or not worthwhile to work with an MDDS system are not justified. Several MDDS and reminder systems are described and evaluated.

Usage, Information management, Pediatrics, Medical informatics

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The use of an objective structured clinical examination with postgraduate residents in pediatrics

Article Abstract:

The usefulness of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for residents must be balanced against its cost and administrative problems. These exams provide the resident with clinical problems presented by volunteers acting as patients followed by a written exam. Researchers developed an OSCE structured around five clinical problems and used it to test 43 pediatric residents. The average score overall was 104.9 points out of a possible 150. It compared favorably with another assessment tool but was difficult to administer because 15 empty hospital rooms, 23 faculty members and 20 patient volunteers were required.

Evaluation, Testing, Examinations, Educational tests, Residents (Medicine), Clinical competence

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Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache and Backache in Pediatrics: A Case Series and Demonstration of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Article Abstract:

Headache and backache following lumbar puncture (LP) can be debilitating, and few studies of this complication in children have been performed. Puncturing the spinal membranes in the lower back to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic tests can lead to CSF shifts and the leakage of fluid around the spine. This complication may occur in 0.5-37% of procedures in adults, and can require hospitalization or extended home-care for persistent headaches and pain. The use of small spinal needles, appropriate patient positioning, and post-procedure blood patches may prevent many cases.

United States, Statistical Data Included, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Medical tests, Backache, Back pain, Spine, Lumbar puncture, Headache

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