Influence of the use of Decision Tools for Appendicitis and Diverticulitis on Diagnostic Certainty in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Rationale: Correctly identifying patients with acute appendicitis or diverticulitis is a diagnostic challenge. The majority of these patients are referred for additional imaging. Decision tools can be used to prevent over-utilization of imaging by selecting patients for diagnostic imaging. Several decision tools have been developed and validated, however their influence on the use of hospital resources and certainty of diagnosis has not yet been evaluated. The objective of current study was to assess the influence of the use of decision tools on clinical practice.