4.10.3 Algorithmic SMQs An algorithm provides for a combination of terms which if retrieved in a single – case are more likely to identify a case of interest than isolated broad search – terms (see table below). The broad terms of algorithmic SMQs are subdivided into categories that could be groupings of organ-specific signs or symptoms, laboratory terms, etc. (Note: the broad search categories are labeled B, C, D, etc.). Using an algorithm may reduce the amount of (i.e., non-relevant “noise” cases). Using an algorithmic SMQ without applying the algorithm (i.e., simply applying the narrow and broad searches) will yield different results from those obtained using the algorithm. Example Algorithmic SMQ (SMQ Anaphylactic reaction)* Category C – Category B – Upper Category D – Angioedema/Urticaria, airway/Respiratory Cardiovascular/Hypotension etc. Acute respiratory Allergic oedema Blood pressure decreased failure Blood pressure diastolic Asthma Angioedema decreased Blood pressure systolic Bronchial oedema Erythema decreased Algorithm: Case = A (Narrow terms – not included in the table) Or term from Category B and term from Category C Or term from either Category B or Category C plus term from Category D * Not all terms in these categories are listed in the table SMQ Systemic lupus erythematosus is an algorithmic SMQ with assigned weights for its included PTs (e.g., PT = 3); a total weighted score Pleural effusion greater than 6 suggests a case of interest. Users should not assume that all software tools support algorithmic SMQs.
4.10.3 Algorithmic SMQs An algorithm provides for a combination of terms which – if retrieved in a single case – are more likely to identify a case of interest than isolated broad search terms (see table below). The broad terms of algorithmic SMQs are subdivided into categories that could be groupings of organ-specific signs or symptoms, laboratory terms, etc. (Note: the broad search categories are labeled B, C, D, etc.). Using an algorithm may reduce the amount of “noise” (i.e., non-relevant cases). Using an algorithmic SMQ without applying the algorithm (i.e., simply applying the narrow and broad searches) will yield different results from those obtained using the algorithm. Example Algorithmic SMQ (SMQ Anaphylactic reaction)* Category B – Upper airway/Respiratory Category C – Angioedema/Urticaria, etc. Category D – Cardiovascular/Hypotension Acute respiratory failure Allergic oedema Blood pressure decreased Asthma Angioedema Blood pressure diastolic decreased Bronchial oedema Erythema Blood pressure systolic decreased Algorithm: Case = A (Narrow terms – not included in the table) Or term from Category B and term from Category C Or term from either Category B or Category C plus term from Category D * Not all terms in these categories are listed in the table SMQ Systemic lupus erythematosus is an algorithmic SMQ with assigned weights for its included PTs (e.g., PT Pleural effusion = 3); a total weighted score greater than 6 suggests a case of interest. Users should not assume that all software tools support algorithmic SMQs.
9610-1400_datretptc_r3_1_mar2011.docx