A group of computer science students has developed a search engine for physicians to help identify rare disease symptoms. The idea is that it could speed up the painfully long process of making a diagnosis, some of which can take as many as 30 years.
Called Find Zebra, the tool is designed to be used by medical professionals. The name of the project gets its name from the way physicians refer to a surprising medical diagnosis, which finds its origins from a medical school professor Theodore Woodward quote: “When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don’t expect to see a zebra.”
The group led by Radu Dragusin of the Technical University of Denmark uses at least 10 sources for the project’s search engine. Among them are: Orphanet, the National Organization for Rare Disorders database and the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center.
A Path to Healing: Discovering Arizona’s PTSD Treatment Centers
Explore top PTSD treatment centers in Arizona, offering personalized care, holistic therapies and expert support to help individuals heal and reclaim their lives.
What about Google, one might ask? The group argues in a research paper that it trounces Google because it provides more relevant results.
Find Zebra offers an innovative approach to search. Although its focus is firmly aimed at healthcare professionals, it reflects a growing trend of health IT companies that are increasingly developing more sophisticated search tools, particularly for patient information reference tools. iTriage comes to mind, for example. But among the more established companies that have developed a strong reputation for their search tools include WebMD, PubMed and Healthline.