Computers, diagnoses and patients with acute abdominal pain.

It is now almost a quarter of a century since the use of computers to assist with the management of patients suffering from acute abdominal pain was proposed (de Dombal et al., 1972). During this time -despite repeated claims of benefit associated with the introduction of computer packages their use has not become widespread. In the interim opinion has polarized, with unhelpful epithets such as 'old-fashioned luddite' and 'quack robodoc' taking the place of rational scientific debate (Sutton, 1989). None of this of course helps the practising A&E clinician. Perhaps it is time to take stock of the situation.