Narrator:       This is Science Today. A Web resource that allows doctors to get an accurate long-term prognosis of their patients has been developed by a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco. Palliative medicine physician Alex Smith says their site, called ePrognosis, has for the most part gotten positive feedback.

Smith:            Particularly from people who are doing educational work in geriatrics and palliative care. ePrognosis is a useful tool for teaching trainees how to think about using prognosis in making clinical decisions and from clinicians we've had positive feedback. 

Narrator:       But Smith says there has also been some criticism on blogs that this information could lead to rationing of care.

Smith:           We did not design this site with that in mind.  Our intention is to help clinicians, patients, caregivers make informed decisions about tests and treatments. We understand that prognosis is only one piece of information that should go into that decision. 

Narrator:       For Science Today, I'm Larissa Branin.