Kurt Kancler

Decision trees based on automatic learning and their use in cardiology

Computerized information systems, especially decision support systems, have become an increasingly important role in medical applications, particularly in those where important decision must be made effectively and reliably. But the possibility of using computers in medical decision making is limited by many difficulties, including the complexity of conventional computer languages, methodologies and tools. Thus a conceptual simple decision making model with the possibility of automating learning should be used. In this paper we introduce a cardiological knowledge-based system based on the decision tree approach supporting the mitral valve prolapse determination. Prolapse is defined as the displacement of a bodily part from its normal position. The term mitral valve prolaps (PMV), therefore, implies that the mitral leaflets are displaced relative to some structure, generally taken to be the mitral annulus. The implications of the PMV are the following: disturbed normal laminar blood flow, turbulence of the blood flow, injury of the chordae tendinae, the possibility of thrombuss composition, bacterial endocarditis, and finally hemodynamic changes defined as mitral insufficiency and mitral regurgitation. Uncertainty persists about how it should be diagnosed and about its clinical importance. It is our deep belief that the echocardiography enables properly trained experts armed with proper criteria to evaluate PMV almost 100%. But unfortunately, there are some problems concerned with the use of echocardiography. In that manner we have decided to start a research project aimed at finding new criteria and enabling the general practitioner to evaluate PMV using conventional methods and to select potential patients from the general population. To empower one to perform needed activities we have developed a computer tool called ROSE (computeRised prOlaps Syndrom dEtermination) based on algorithms of automatic learning. This tool supports the definition of new criteria and the selection of potential PMV-patients.

The application of structured spreadsheet modeling in medicine

Abstract The effective use of computers in medical praxis is limited first by difficulties of medical staff in learning and using conventional design paradigms and second by the variety of medical applications. Only when medical staff can use computers quickly, easily, and in a natural, intuitive fashion will medical computer-supported systems be used enthusiastically and successfully. In the present paper we show that structured spreadsheet modeling, which is a combination of structured modeling and spreadsheet software, can be used effectively and efficiently in the process of designing, testing, and evaluating various classes of medical models.

Diagnostic process optimisation: a two levelled approach [paediatric cardiology]

Every-day routine responsibilities of medical staff can be enormous. The appearance of new computer-based information technology has eased these activities enormously and enabled medical staff to perform their work more efficiently and effectively. One possible application of computer technology in paediatric cardiology, where examinations can be very expensive, is the optimisation of the diagnostic process in a manner to minimise the number of examinations, and to reduce costs and the risk to the patients. In this paper, we present an information system which supports diagnostic process optimisation (DIAPRO) and the approach used to design it.<<ETX>>

Tracing and controlling child's development using COCIDIN

Two activities are essential for the successful care of children, namely adequate trace (measurement, recording, trend and pattern calculations) and control (measurement, comparison and possible mediation) of their development. To enable efficient trace and control we should follow as more as possible various development parameters. The intention of this paper is to present the COCIDIN (Computerized cOntinued ChIlds Development INdex) and its design. COCIDIN is a numeric index founded on observations of ten important parameters and can be used as a suitable base for above activities.<<ETX>>

Deciding about syndromes with SYNFIN

It has become evident that decision support systems play a very important role in medical decision making, particularly in those where decision must be made effectively and reliably. A syndrome is a combination of signs and/or symptoms that forms a distinct clinical picture indicative of a particular disorder. Here, the authors present a decision support system based on decision tree concept and automated learning which help medical personnel deciding about syndromes on a base of anomalies.

Towards a unified paediatric health care encounter-a two levelled approach

The appearance of the new computer-based information technology has initiated the possibility for medical staff to perform their everyday routine activities more effectively and efficiently. But to be able to use the information technology as successfully as possible, unified and integrated medical encounters are urgently needed especially in the paediatrics field. It is the objective of this paper to briefly introduce MetaMet and its application in the design of the UNCLE (UNified Childs health carE Encounter). MetaMet is an information system design approach, based on two-levelled design.

Medical Information System Metadesign Using Metamet

New possibilities offered by the huge advancement in information technology sets new requirements for the whole health care community. Thereafter it is not merely enough to do more efficiently what we are doing now, but we must confront difficult challenges in new ways. In that manner we must be able to design new medical information systems using new approaches. But to be capable to design new approaches we must first carefully analyse the information system design theory and practices. To follow slogans above and to make a step further into resolving the software crisis, we constructed a new (Medical) Information System ((M)IS) design paradigm called MetaMet (stands for MetaMethodology), and it is the aim of this paper to introduce it and its application in the medical field.

The computer tool of the mitral valve prolapse determination based on automatic learning

Prolapse is defined as the displacement of a bodily part from its normal position. The term mitral valve prolapse (PMV), therefore, implies that the mitral leaflets are displaced relative to some structure, generally taken to be the mitral annulus. The implications of the PMV are following: disturbed normal laminar blood flow, turbulence of the blood flow, injury of the chordae tendinae, the possibility of thrombuss composition, bacterial endocarditis and finally hemodynamic changes defined as mitral insufficiency and mitral regurgitation. Uncertainty persists about how it should be diagnosed and about its clinical importance. It is our deep belief that the echocardiography enables proper trained experts armed with proper criteria to evaluate PMV almost 100%. Unfortunately there are some problems concerned with the use of echocardiography. We have decided to start a research project aimed to find new criteria and enable general practitioners to evaluate the PMV using conventional methods and to select potential patients from the general population. To empower one to perform needed activities we developed a computer tool called ROSE (Computerised Prolaps Syndrome Determination) based on algorithms of automatic learning. This tool supports the definition of new criteria and the selection of potential PMV-patients.<<ETX>>

A simple structured spreadsheet model for accompanying children's body development

Two activities are essential for the successful care of children, namely adequate trace and control of their development. In the present paper we would like to introduce a simple structured model for accompanying and determination of children dynamic body development.

Microcomputer spreadsheet software application in body development determination

The historical analysis of great data collections is a common practice in medical research. Performing such tasks manually is not only time consuming and tedious, but also very sensitive to errors. Computers with theirs ability to store and process information can enormously ease this work. But it is very hard for non-computer specialists like doctors, nurses and other medical staff to learn and use conventional programming tools and techniques. Using spreadsheet software, which is a very user friendly and easy to learn tool, is a possible solution. In this paper we first present a mathematical model based on Rohrers indexes which we have developed to assist us in common pupils body-development determination. Then we briefly present the spreadsheet software, and the spreadsheet implementation of the above model.