Abstract

An Intelligent Microcomputer-Based Personal Medical Advisor

Brenner, M.A., Madni, A.M., Schwalm, N., and Otsubo, S.

Abstract

This paper presents the overall system concept and key features of a microcomputer-based personal medical advisor and reference system for medically naive computer users. This system guides the user in finding general medical information, answers to specific medical questions, and information related to a current or hypothetical medical complaint. The system provides a personalized printed record of the. User's interaction with the system. The system also advises the user on preparing for a forthcoming visit to the doctor. At the heart of the system is a medical knowledge base represented in the form of semantic nets. This organization provides direct access to specific knowledge in the medical database. Associated with the nodes in the semantic net are textual narratives or menus, preassigned keywords, and embedded decision rules for guiding and facilitating search. The labelled arcs between the nodes define the specific relationships among the nodes. When users are unable to identify their specific needs, they can start by selecting one or more keywords and a labelled arc. The decision rules associated with the nodes in the underlying semantic net quickly guide the user to the relevant body of information.

From:

Brenner, M.A., Madni, A.M., Schwalm, N., and Otsubo, S., Proceedings of 1985 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Tucson, Arizona, November 1985, pp. 751-753.