[Testing of a computer program model for the diagnosis of suspected acute coronary disease]

A computerized diagnostic system to be used in patients with acute chest pain was recently developed in our department, and was tested prospectively in 213 consecutive patients with acute chest pain. In our study, the computer system almost invariably improved the decision as to whether or not admission to the coronary care unit was necessary. Thus, compared with decisions made by the emergency room physicians the computer system would have reduced by approximately 75% the number of patients with acute myocardial infarction who are incorrectly referred to the general ward. The system would also have reduced by the same figure the number of cases wrongly placed in the coronary care unit. Thus, in patients admitted with acute chest pain, the use of our computerized system would have improved both diagnostic accuracy and correct referral of patients from the emergency room.