docterry
commented
6 years ago I agree.
This is actually on my road map for the Guacamole conference system. We tend to rehash the same items again and again.
Several years ago I wrote a program called ALGAE that converts flowcharts created in Visio to simplify complex clinical decision making from published algorithms, but it really hasn't seen much use (I have WPW algorithms and ambulatory monitor selection, and a prototype for newborn pulse ox screening). This could be a good practical application for it.
I will add this to the list. All of the R&D, architecture, programming, and ongoing tech support for our Heart Center apps all come from one person! :)
-TC
I had a suggestion for an enhancement to the various “cinco de Mayo” apps. I think it would be great if you could build something that would make all the guidelines that apply to various indications for surgery immediately available at conference. This could take one of two forms: 1) bare bones version would be just a repository for the articles that could be quickly brought up. 2) fancier version would be some sort of interactive flow chart that would enable the presenting cardiologist to enter the criteria that the patient meets/doesn’t meet prior to the conference.
A couple of things bring this suggestion to mind—1) on Tuesday, we had a case sent by Austine where the adult valve guidelines were quite applicable. It probably would have shortened the discussion if we had the criteria up there right at the conclusion of the data presentation. 2) Brian Soriano just told me that in the next year or so, the ACHD folks are going to come out with a more complicated algorithm for determining need for PV replacement in TOF that incorporates not only RV size but a number of other factors. As the algorithm gets more complicated, we will need tools such as I’m proposing.
Of course, the pitfall with guidelines is that one could stop thinking about the patient and only follow the algorithm. However, I think if you have a patient that does not meet criteria but has extenuating circumstances that are prompting you to refer for surgery, that’s fine, but the presenter needs to shoulder the burden of explaining why the patient requires surgery even if guidelines would not recommend surgery.
Amy