There is an obvious need for geographic distribution of expert knowledge among several
health care units without increasing the cost of on-site expertise in locations where
health care is provided. This paper describes the design of a knowledge-based decision-support
system for extended consultation in clinical medicine. The system is based on Arden
Syntax for Medical Logic Modules and hypertext using World Wide Web technology. It
provides advice and explanations regarding the given advice. The explanations are
presented in a hypertext format allowing the user to browse related information and
to verify the relevance of the given advice. The system is intended to be used in
a closed local network. With special precautions regarding issues of safety and patient
security, the system can be used over wider areas such as in rural medicine. A prototype
has been developed in the field of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases regarding
infective endocarditis.
Keywords:
Knowledge-based system - DSS - Arden Syntax - Hypertext - WWW