Kristina Arkad

Pre-compiling medical logic modules into C++ in building medical decision support systems.

Development of medical knowledge bases is a time-consuming process, and no single medical institution can develop medical knowledge bases covering all areas of medicine. The use of medical knowledge representation standards such as the Arden Syntax is an attempt to enhance the writability and readability of computer-stored knowledge and facilitate transfer and sharing among institutions. A method for the realisation of decision support systems based on knowledge formulated according to the Arden Syntax is presented. An essential tool in this process is a medical logic module (MLM) pre-compiler, translating MLMs into an object-oriented programming language, C++. Advantages of the C++ approach compared with other alternatives are discussed.

Integration of data driven decision support into the HELIOS environment

The development of large-scale, clinically accepted decision support systems (DSS) calls for powerful and commonly available methods and tools for knowledge acquisition, system realisation, and knowledge base maintenance. The paper addresses problems associated with the integration of knowledge-based systems within the clinical setting with special reference to (i) data driven decision support, (ii) the Arden Syntax as a knowledge representation format and, (iii) the HELIOS software engineering environment. Architecture of a DSS based on Arden Syntax and its integration in the HELIOS environment are presented. Realisation of the DSS is discussed in relation to client-server architecture and object-oriented databases, which are essential concepts of the HELIOS environment. Sharability and reusability of the knowledge, together with commonality of used software tools are also discussed.

Strategies for efficient implementation of the Arden Syntax for medical decision support

Together with other medical centres we are working on a common language, called Arden Syntax to present medical knowledge, that can be used for knowledge exchange between different institutes. The form of the language has evolved during the last eighteen months and work is still going on to improve the expressiveness and implementability of the language. In this paper some of our experiences, both in connection with the language and in connection with the operating environment are described. Properties of operating environments and medical information systems that may facilitate integration of medical logic are described.