A Computer-based Decision Support System Used in Identifying Relationship between Oral Symptoms and Systemic Diseases

Dana GHIGA¹, Marius PETRIŞOR², Anca BACÂREA³, Vladimir C. BACÂREA¹, Marius Ş. MĂRUŞTERI², Bogdan A. HAIFA², Dan Ş. SÎMPĂLEAN², Alexandru Şchiopu³
¹Department of Medical Research Methodology,
University of Medicine and Pharmacy
38, Gh. Marinescu Street, Târgu Mureş, 540000, Romania
dana_ghiga@yahoo.com

²Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics,
University of Medicine and Pharmacy
38, Gh. Marinescu Street, Târgu Mureş, 540000, Romania

³Department of Pathophysiology,
University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
38, Gh. Marinescu Street, Târgu Mureş, 540000, Romania

Abstract: The aim of this study is to present a dental patient management software application module that offers the possibility to record the oral symptoms of systemic diseases and presents a presumptive diagnosis. We implemented a web application for patients’ management in the dental office which includes such a module that besides presenting a presumptive diagnosis also provides detailed information regarding the disease and the recommended laboratory investigations. The implemented software application allows the selection of the oral lesions revealed during intraoral examination and once the oral lesion has been selectedthe application displays the list of the systemic diseases which presents the selected oral lesion as an oral symptom. After displaying the probable systemic diseases, the user can learn more information about a particular disease by clicking on its label. An innovative aspect of the proposed application is the existence of the module that allows the presumptive diagnosis of a systemic disease by selecting the oral lesions found during intraoral examination. Also the software application offers information regarding the selected systemic disease etiology, oral signs and symptoms and the laboratory investigations required for the final diagnosis.

Keywords: Oral manifestations, disease, computer-assisted diagnosis.

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CITE THIS PAPER AS:
Dana V. GHIGA, Marius D. PETRIŞOR, Anca BACÂREA, Vladimir C. BACÂREA, Marius Ş. MĂRUŞTERI, Bogdan A. HAIFA, Dan Ş. SÎMPĂLEAN, Alexandru ŞCHIOPU, A Computer-based Decision Support System Used in Identifying Relationship between Oral Symptoms and Systemic Diseases, Studies in Informatics and Control, ISSN 1220-1766, vol. 21 (3), pp. 267-274, 2012. https://doi.org/10.24846/v21i3y201205

1. Introduction

The use of computers to help health professionals in their work has been studied since the 1950s [1]. Initially, efforts were focused on developing diagnostic systems [2]. Ledley and Lusted [3] were the first to have addressed this possibility. They described the use of punch cards to indicate the relationship between diseases and their manifestations. An experimental prototype was described in a later publication [4]. Issues related to limitations of scientific basis and reluctance by practitioners to accept a system that was not integrated into regular workflow prevented the establishment of the system on large scale [5].

In the last decadescomputers have been introduced in the medical field, but in recent years scientists are trying to make the use of computers more efficient by developing a variety of applications including image analysis [6], color analysis as an alternative to the spectrophotometer [7],hospital management integrated solutions. The use of a computer has also become mandatory in the dental office.

Nowadays, a computer with Internet access has become an essential tool in the dental office.

In dental practice, in order to improve health care, numerous software applications have been developed with the most varied uses, from “simple” data storage to processing and analysis or three-dimensional reconstruction and simulation. Nowadays, for almost every clinical and technological phase, there is a computerized system which serves the physicians or the technicians in their work.

Currently available systems do not offer any possibility of recording the oral lesions that may be present in the oral cavity, due to systemic disease.

Many problems in dental practice are not trivial or simple, and therefore require rigorous research efforts. Without well-founded methodological approaches, computer technology will not achieve the expected performances, those of helping the physicians and patients.

Integrated computer systems, must be designed around the work of medical staff and should allow them to better focus on patient care. Such systems must provide information when and where necessary, minimize duplication of data entry and their indirect and should be easy to use.

The aim of this study is to present a module from a patient management software application in the dental office that offers the possibility of recording the oral symptoms of systemic diseases and presenting a presumptive diagnosis.

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