iPad to impart greater accuracy to diagnosis

A new iPad application will help doctors in delivering the appropriate treatment at the right place and time.

Known as Diagnostic Imaging Pathways (DIP), the tool has been developed by the Centre for Software Practice (CSP) with the Royal Perth Hospital, under Professor Richard Mendelson from the University of Western Australia.

"Thirty percent of imaging requests are incorrect or inappropriate - the iPad application DiPHD will help make sure that patients have the best chance of getting the most accurate diagnosis," Mendelson said, according to a CSP statement.

Having the pathways available on a platform like the iPad ensures that doctors will be able to access vital information, literally at their fingertips, said CSP director associate professor David Glance.

"Imaging is the first step in future pathways that will also involve pathology and clinical referral guidelines," Glance said.