Description
Yearly epidemics of respiratory diseases occur in children. Early recognition of these and of unexpected epidemics due to new agents or as acts of biological/chemical terrorism is desirable. In this study, we evaluate the ordering of chest radiographs as a proxy for early identification of epidemics of lower respiratory tract disease. This has the potential to act as a sensitive real-time surveillance tool during such outbreaks.
Objective:
Create a tool for monitoring respiratory epidemics based on chest radiograph ordering patterns.