Mobile technology as support to the diagnosis of Tuberculosis in childhood

Abstract

Introduction: Mobile technology as support to the diagnosis of Tuberculosis in childhood. Mobile technologies have been increasingly used as a means of supporting medical education. In contrast to technological innovation, the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is still a public health problem, especially due to the lack of specific profiling of the disease and the impossibility, in most cases, to bacteriologically confirm it in childhood. In this vision are inserted mobile technologies such as Decision Support Systems (DSS), defined as capable of promoting rapid access to information, as well as the automation of processes, in the case of health as support for decision-making in the face of a problem. Objective: This article aims to describe the development of a DSS, available in the application format, for automating the calculation of the score for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children, based on the Ministry of Health criteria. Method: Several steps: Search the Store and Apple Store for applications on Tuberculosis; Validation of concepts used for the development of DSS; Development of tools with proofs and corrections. Results: 42 applications were found in Tuberculosis. Of these, 28 provide general information, 11 do not address pathology, 4 are games, 3 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and 1 alternative treatment. A DSS for childhood tuberculosis was developed. In addition to this main topic, other sessions will be available, as illustrative clinical cases, which help the professional to recognize signs and symptoms that alert to the suspicion of tuberculosis; radiological images, which allow the user to recognize the common changes in the pediatric patient; and georeferencing map, highlighting locations with the largest recorded cases. Conclusion: With the creation of DSS, it is expected to expand the diagnosis of Tuberculosis.