Detecting pneumonia in outpatient settings has been a challenge for physicians, since chest
radiographs are not readily available and also because the associated signs and symptoms
used for clinical diagnosis are mainly based on studies of inpatients.21 Gennis2
, Heckerling3
,
Diehr8
, and Singal9
are some of the widely used pneumonia prediction criteria models.
Studies conducted show that the specificity of the Gennis, Heckerling, and Diehr rules are
each greater than that of physician judgment, and are more accurate in selecting patients
with respiratory infection for chest radiography.21 However, much research is required to
determine whether the use of decision aids enhance the physician’s ability to diagnose
pneumonia