Computer-based diagnostic decision-support systems can improve the clinical reasoning of physicians, residents and medical students, according to a study published in the Nov. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Fred Wolf, professor and chair of medical education, was among the co-authors of the study.

Previous research had concentrated on the systems' accuracy in providing diagnostic information. This study explored the extent to which consultations with such systems influenced clinicians' diagnostic hypotheses for a set of challenging cases.

Participants at three academic medical centers gave diagnostic hypotheses before and after consulting with ILIAD or QMR (Quick Medical Reference). Because medical students, compared to faculty and residents, showed the largest increase in correct diagnoses after the consultation, the authors suggest a possible educational role for these systems.