Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Steven Gilles

Abstract

The diagnostic techniques between resource-limited countries and developed countries like the United States vary greatly. The lack of technology and availability of resources such as imaging studies in developing countries and the possible overreliance on those imaging studies when easily accessible is one reason. This paper will address the challenge clinicians face when evaluating patients for possible acute appendicitis. It will compare differences in diagnostic approaches used in the United States versus resource-limited nations that do not have readily available imaging studies to confirm suggestive appendicitis based on history, exam, and lab findings. It will compare outcomes of techniques used looking at negative appendectomy rates as well. This paper will also discuss the pros and cons of diagnostic approaches; including costs to healthcare systems, the cost to the patient, over/under diagnoses as well as inappropriate use. Appendicitis is one of the most common indications for emergency abdominal surgery, with several ways to reach the diagnosis, which is why addressing diagnostic parameters is needed.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2019.Schiltz.R

Download

Share

COinS