Use of prognostic scoring and outcome assessment tools in the admission decision for community-acquired pneumonia.

ABSTRACT

Prognostic scoring and outcome assessment tools are being developed to provide decision support regarding hospitalization in community-acquired pneumonia. The tools define the risk of mortality and other adverse outcomes using variables available when patients are first seen. Comparison of the specific logic in different tools demonstrates more similarities than differences. Early data suggest that these tools may help physicians safety decrease the rate of admission to the hospital.