[afro-nets] Googling for a diagnosis - Google as a diagnostic aid

["Claudio Schuftan" <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

Googling for a diagnosis - Google as a diagnostic aid
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British Medical Journal (BMJ, published 10 Nov 2006) carries an interesting article "Googling for a diagnosis - use of Google as a diagnostic aid: internet based study" by Hangwi Tang, Jennifer Hwee Kwoon Ng. The publication discusses about how the most popular web search engine, Google was used in an Internet based study to lead doctors towards correct diagnosis and how web search is emerging as a potentially important clinical tool for doctors when dealing with difficult cases. The full text of the article (in .pdf format) is available at 
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/rapidpdf/bmj.39003.640567.AEv1.pdf

More information on the topic can also be found at Google 'aids doctors' diagnoses' http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6132856.stm. Baffled GPs urged to try diagnosis by Google :
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-3-2446250-3,00.html

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Claudio Schuftan
mailto:claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn