Alvarado Score in the Meta Department

The project aims to determine the frequency of use of the Alvarado score among emergency department physicians at facilities in Villavicencio, Colombia. The information will be collected using a self-directed survey with items assessing awareness, compliance, and systematic recording of the Alvarado score among patients with abdominal pain and suspected acute appendicitis, as predictors of illness and severity.

Introduction: Early detection of appendicitis in the emergency department is vital for prompt treatment and the prevention of complications. The Alvarado score is a diagnostic tool designed to predict the probability of appendicitis in adults. Publications about the use of the Alvarado score are limited. Understanding how frequently a predictive score is used is essential for promoting its adoption. This study aimed to assess the frequency with which emergency department physicians in healthcare facilities in the Meta Department use the Alvarado score. Methodology: Between August 2019 and January 2020, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with physicians (N = 125) who voluntarily participated from five hospitals in the area.