Sympmed I: computer program for primary health care
Uplekar, M.W.; Antia, N.H.; Dhumale, P.S.
BMJ 297(6652): 841-843
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0959-8138 PMID: 3140944 DOI: 10.2307/29701002Document Number: 356121
"Sympmed I is an experimental computer program that identifies and offers treatment to outpatients whose symptoms can be effectively and safely treated. To verify the safety of using such a package an evaluation of Sympmed I was carried out. The patients' symptoms were entered into the computer by a junior doctor and then by a non-medical person, an engineer. The prescriptions offered by the program were compared with those given by a general practitioner after examining the patient. It was found that 390 of 500 (78%) patients in the first group and 276 of 400 (69%) patients in the second group were offered prescriptions comparable to the ones given by the general practitioner, and the rest were advised to see a doctor. In no case was a patient offered treatment when he or she needed to see a doctor.