tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538027.post114714511169899598..comments2024-01-30T14:16:38.219+11:00Comments on PsychoBabble: Dr. GoogleHPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409589783052980600noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538027.post-1163284784086540752006-11-12T09:39:00.000+11:002006-11-12T09:39:00.000+11:00Today an article titled" Googling for a diagnosis...Today an article titled" Googling for a diagnosis-use of Google as a diagnostic aid: internet based study" appeared in the November 10 issue of the BMJ, British MedicalJournal.<BR/><BR/>The article's authors , Hangwi Tang and Jennifer Hwee Kwoon NG, discuss the success of using Google search to diagnose patients by putting in their signs and symptoms(3-5).<BR/><BR/>The diagnostic cases(26) were taken from the New England Journal of Medicine 2005.<BR/><BR/>The results were impressive. What the Google search found were numerous revelant articles and citations which when read by physicians could selected the correct diagnosis 58% percent of the time.<BR/><BR/>Currently, the searches are performed by typing in multiple signs and symptoms, ie, <BR/><BR/>sore throat, rash,.... fever, etc. <BR/><BR/>Some shortcomings were noted. For one, searches were less likely in complex diseases with non-specific symptoms or " common diseases with rare presentations."<BR/><BR/>One can anticipate various ways to increase the accuracy of diagnosing:<BR/><BR/>- input of vital signs: HR, T,BP, O2 sat<BR/>- input of lab values<BR/>- input of signs and symptoms in appearance order<BR/>- imaging study results<BR/><BR/>This paper shows there is a tremendous interest in medicine in using Google as a search tool in the diagnosing and possible care of patients.<BR/><BR/>One can imagine the benefit to young doctor in developing country who now have access to a grand medical library in their hands.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Ward Merkeley, M.D.<BR/>Spokane WAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538027.post-1147339126025870552006-05-11T19:18:00.000+10:002006-05-11T19:18:00.000+10:00Hi Tiesha's Place, jumpinginpuddles and Deborah,I ...Hi Tiesha's Place, jumpinginpuddles and Deborah,<BR/><BR/>I totally agree that the internet is an amazing resource for both physical health and mental health issues. That just needs to be qualified with the need to be aware of the variations of quality of information. Some health professionals provide 'internet prescriptions' for their patients ie. recommendations for tried and tested resources which I think is great. At least, people are steered towards decent resources.<BR/><BR/>As for cyberchondria? Well, this was the subject of my earlier thesis and I found that the health information on internet in itself doesn't really exacerbate health -anxiety. In truth, what is important is the unique set of circumstances and vulnerabilites of the individual.<BR/><BR/>Deborah, it's great how you have utilised the internet to provide information and expand knowledge. I find your blog extremely educational...I'm still working my way through the earlier posts. An excellent resource.HPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09409589783052980600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538027.post-1147279566037071722006-05-11T02:46:00.000+10:002006-05-11T02:46:00.000+10:00I have been using the internet for many years help...I have been using the internet for many years helping to educate, diagnose and find resources. I think it is the single most important asset in my practice. I have linked and found amazing things. Now blogging will be added to that. It is the "new" frontier.<BR/><BR/>:) DebDr. Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06340730498047128203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538027.post-1147257308240028442006-05-10T20:35:00.000+10:002006-05-10T20:35:00.000+10:00we live in the country where a wait for a doc can ...we live in the country where a wait for a doc can be a week, sometimes its better to go to the net first rather than wait it out and waste their time.<BR/>Other times ive phoned the doc and asked for a script and said symptoms diagnosis script rather than waste your time. We have been given it. Why because he knows we are right.<BR/>reality is google is faster than appointments, reality, docs are paid shit for long hours lots of grief and high insurance premiums. End of the day google wins, sad but true. Docs make the same mistakes as google seems fair in the long run to me.jumpinginpuddleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02701383598841540578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26538027.post-1147257074375953402006-05-10T20:31:00.000+10:002006-05-10T20:31:00.000+10:00This is a really interesting and great post. I've ...This is a really interesting and great post. I've done this! It's important for us to take this into consideration too. Patients are more informed than they used to be...not always with good information, but more informed. It's part of our responsibility as people who provide care one way or another to serve as a resource and guide to our paitients. I love the tips you have! I think the internet is in general a good thing. I just think it's kind of sad that providers don't have enough time for their patients. Thanks again for this post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com