Computerization of guidelines: a knowledge specification method to convert text to detailed decision tree for electronic implementation.
The initial step for the computerization of guidelines is the knowledge specification from the prose text of guidelines. We describe a method of knowledge specification based on a structured and systematic analysis of text allowing detailed specification of a decision tree. We use decision tables to validate the decision algorithm and decision trees to specify and represent this algorithm, along with elementary messages of recommendation. Edition tools are also necessary to facilitate the process of validation and workflow between expert physicians who will validate the specified knowledge and computer scientist who will encode the specified knowledge in a guide-line model. Applied to eleven different guidelines issued by an official agency, the method allows a quick and valid computerization and integration in a larger decision support system called EsPeR (Personalized Estimate of Risks). The quality of the text guidelines is however still to be developed further. The method used for computerization could help to define a framework usable at the initial step of guideline development in order to produce guidelines ready for electronic implementation.
Aguirre-Junco
Angel-Ricardo
AR
Public Health and Medical Informatics Department, Broussais Hôtel Dieu University, 15 rue de l'école de médecine, 75006 Paris, France.
Colombet
Isabelle
I
Zunino
Sylvain
S
Jaulent
Marie-Christine
MC
Leneveut
Laurence
L
Chatellier
Gilles
G
D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D003663:Decision Trees; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic