Mobile applications are useful for clinical decision making. An example is in the area of cervical cancer screening. The incidence of cervical cancer and mortality from the disease in the United States has decreased with the implementation of cervical cancer screening programs.1 However, being up to date on the guidelines can be challenging. In 2001, the revised Bethesda system terminology for reporting cervical cytology results became available. In response, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) developed comprehensive, evidence-based consensus guidelines to assist health care providers in managing abnormal screening results. In 2006, the guidelines were revised, and in 2012, revised again.2
In a search in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores for apps useful for gynecologic oncology providers, Dr. Sara Farag, colleagues, and I identified and evaluated highly 2 cervical cancer screening apps: ASCCP Mobile and Pap Reader.3 These apps can aid any health care provider who performs Pap smear screening and who manages screening results.
ASCCP Mobile includes follow-up guidelines regarding colposcopy results as well as guidelines for posthysterectomy and pregnant women. The app also has a clinical decision support system (an active knowledge system that uses 2 or more items of patient data to generate case-specific advice).
Pap Reader includes guidelines for postmenopausal and pregnant women and also has a clinical decision support system. Unlike ASCCP Mobile, Pap Reader is free.
The recommended cervical cancer screening apps are listed in the TABLE alphabetically and are detailed with a shortened version of the APPLICATIONS scoring system, APPLI (app comprehensiveness, price, platform, literature use, and important special features).4 I hope these apps will assist you in your management of patients who undergo Pap smear screening.
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