Comparison of paired visual assessment and software analyses of changes in caries status over 6 months from fluorescence images

• HIT Description: Decision support More info...
  
• Purpose of Study: To compare human visual image assessment of changes in lesions with quantitative light-induced-fluorescence (QLF) software analysis
  
• Years of study: Not Available
  
• Study Design: Other predictive analysis
  
• Outcomes: Other
  

• Settings: Dental office
• Intervention: Two-stage system where a fluorescent image of a tooth surface is captured using an intra-oral camera and then analyzed using proprietary software.
• Evaluation Method: 10 examiners were recruited from scientific conference attendees; 7 of the examiners had experience in analyzing QLF images. They visually compared baseline and 6-month images to assess whether each lesion was: 1) definitely worse, 2) likely worse, 3) the same, 4) likely better, or 5) definitely better. These assessments were compared to QLF software assessments.
• Description: Two-stage system where a fluorescent image of a tooth surface is captured using an intra-oral camera and then analyzed using proprietary software. The system enables lesions to be monitored over time. Images were placed on Power Point slides. QLF images are stored in patient's electronic record.
• Quality of Care and Patient Safety Outcome: Detection of changes between an initial exam and one 6 months later is difficult and unreliable using only visual techniques. Currently there is no means to determine if either method, visual or software, is reporting the true nature of change in the lesions.