How to use Living Algorithms

Living Algorithms are designed to be simple and useful. Whether you are in clinic, studying for boards or just trying to stay current, it's easy to get started in a few steps:

1. Search for specific terms

Start by searching for a specific disease or subtype. For example, try a search for:

• EGFR-positive lung cancer

• Relapsed multiple myeloma

• HR-positive breast cancer

This helps you get to a focused clinical scenario as quickly as possible.

2. Select a Living Algorithm

Once you search, you will see algorithms created by expert physicians who specialize in that disease.

Each algorithm reflects how that physician approaches treatment decisions in practice. You may see more than one option for the same disease, which can be helpful for understanding different perspectives.

Choose the algorithm that's most relevant to your patient.

3. Navigate the pathway

After selecting an algorithm, you can start working through it step by step. Follow the pathway based on your patient's characteristics. At each decision point, you will see the options and how the pathway branches.

Many algorithms also include a rationale (i.e., short justification or explanation) that helps you understand why one approach might be recommended over another.

4. Use wherever you are

Living Algorithms are built to work on your phone or laptop.You can review them:

• In clinic between patients

• At your desk when preparing for cases

• While commuting on public transit

• When working out at the gym

Living Algorithms are designed to be quick to open and easy to navigate, without needing to scroll through long PDFs.

Helpful point of care tool for clinicians

If traditional guidelines give you a static overview, Living Algorithms let you move through the decision process in a more natural way. You can search, select and follow a pathway that fits your patient, all in a few quick and easy steps.

Try searching for an algorithm here: Open Medicine