Googling for a diagnosis--use of Google as a diagnostic aid: internet based study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine how often searching with Google (the most popular search engine on the world wide web) leads doctors to the correct diagnosis.


METHODS
Internet based study using Google to search for diagnoses; researchers were blind to the correct diagnoses.


METHODS
One year's (2005) diagnostic cases published in the case records of the New England Journal of Medicine.


METHODS
26 cases from the New England Journal of Medicine; management cases were excluded.


METHODS
Percentage of correct diagnoses from Google searches (compared with the diagnoses as published in the New England Journal of Medicine).


RESULTS
Google searches revealed the correct diagnosis in 15 (58%, 95% confidence interval 38% to 77%) cases.


CONCLUSIONS
As internet access becomes more readily available in outpatient clinics and hospital wards, the web is rapidly becoming an important clinical tool for doctors. The use of web based searching may help doctors to diagnose difficult cases.
Tang
Hangwi
H
Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Q4102, Australia. hangwitang@yahoo.com
Ng
Jennifer Hwee Kwoon
JH
D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003933:Diagnosis; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000592:standards*; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity