Abstract:
Psych Topix is a knowledge-based program which guides the clinician from an on-line
clinical report to a search of the psychiatric literature or of other relevant databases.
It provides this guidance by using an outline of key topics in a clinical field to
provide “concept-based” links. Each topic is augmented with an activation expression
to signal when that topic is potentially relevant to a case, and with database search
expressions to allow focused retrieval of information. The bibliographic retrieval
component of PsychTopix is currently operational as part of the daily, routine operation
of a psychiatric consultation service. The system is also implemented in a demonstration
mode to provide retrieval from three additional textual databases. The current PsychTopix
system provides a working demonstration of the clinical feasibility of using concept-based
links to facilitate the focused, automated transition between on-line medical databases.
Key-Words
Decision Support Systems - Expert Systems - Medical Records - Psychiatry