Performance of Four Computer-Based Diagnostic Systems

Over the past 20 years, computer-based systems designed to support clinical decision making have evolved from prototypes to commercially available systems1?10. Although many of these systems address narrow areas of subject matter, such as electrolyte and acid-base disorders,2 diagnostic computer-based systems intended to address the entire field of internal medicine have gained increasing visibility11?16. Although most of these systems are generally designed to provide efficient access to medical information, they also include mechanisms for the assessment of clinical and laboratory data and the provision of diagnostic advice. As such systems become more widespread, evaluation of their . . .