Updating a Protocol-Based Decision-Support System's Knowledge Base: A Breast Cancer Case Study

Modelling clinical guidelines or protocols in a computer-executable form is a prerequisite to support their execution by Decision Support Systems. Progress of medical knowledge requires frequent updates of the encoded knowledge model. Moreover, user perception of the decision process and user preferences regarding the presentation of choices require modifications of the model. In this paper, we describe these two maintenance requirements using a protocol for the medical therapy of breast cancer and the lessons learnt in the process. The protocol was modeled in Asbru and is used at the S. Chiara Hospital in Trento.

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