What is an Expert System? An expert system is a program implemented in a computer which is designed to mimic the problem-solving ability of a specialist within a given field An expert system is a program implemented in a computer which is designed to mimic the problem-solving ability of a specialist within a given field Expert systems are based on concepts which are extensions of principles of artificial intelligence (AI) Expert systems are based on concepts which are extensions of principles of artificial intelligence (AI)

What Expert Systems Do An AI program is composed of a knowledge base, provided by an expert, and a methodology of drawing conclusions based on evidence (input) and initial propositions. An AI program is composed of a knowledge base, provided by an expert, and a methodology of drawing conclusions based on evidence (input) and initial propositions. Expert systems are able to interpret information derived from basic research and applied models and threshold values. Expert systems are able to interpret information derived from basic research and applied models and threshold values.

Expert systems utilize their ability to postulate solutions, which serve as a basis for analysis, in order to solve a problem or propose possible solutions. Expert systems utilize their ability to postulate solutions, which serve as a basis for analysis, in order to solve a problem or propose possible solutions. In a clinical setting, the system could be designed to propose possible diagnoses based on symptoms (patient input) and patient medical background (history). In a clinical setting, the system could be designed to propose possible diagnoses based on symptoms (patient input) and patient medical background (history).

Why Apply Expert Systems to Medicine? Patents and doctors alike are both looking for a “quick fix” Patents and doctors alike are both looking for a “quick fix” Physicians, in recent years, have become increasingly alienated with the clinical setting Physicians, in recent years, have become increasingly alienated with the clinical setting Medical diagnoses are fundamentally uncertain Medical diagnoses are fundamentally uncertain

Advantages New level of patient-physician honesty New level of patient-physician honesty Significant money savings Significant money savings Possible 24hr service Possible 24hr service Very short wait periods Very short wait periods Patient medical history known and considered in diagnosis Patient medical history known and considered in diagnosis Automatic prescription transferral Automatic prescription transferral

Disadvantages/Issues Controversy – can people get the same quality medical advice and attention from a program (machine), that a person can offer? Controversy – can people get the same quality medical advice and attention from a program (machine), that a person can offer? Can human error ever be completely eliminated? Can human error ever be completely eliminated? Machine diagnosis impersonal Machine diagnosis impersonal Lack of trust Lack of trust

Specific Example MatheMEDics® Thorask MatheMEDics® Thorask Windows-based software Windows-based software Designed to assist doctors in diagnosing the cause of chest pain Designed to assist doctors in diagnosing the cause of chest pain

How it Works The physician will input answers to basic inquiries regarding the patient’s medical history and current symptoms The physician will input answers to basic inquiries regarding the patient’s medical history and current symptoms The program will respond with a list of possible diagnoses (in decreasing order of potential) along with the associated probability The program will respond with a list of possible diagnoses (in decreasing order of potential) along with the associated probability

Conclusions When used in conjunction with a physicians exam and diagnosis probability-based expert medical systems could significantly improve the practice of medicine When used in conjunction with a physicians exam and diagnosis probability-based expert medical systems could significantly improve the practice of medicine

References 1.) Sturman, M.F. MD, FACP; “Health Controversies” EasyDiagnosis (January 2004) 1.) Sturman, M.F. MD, FACP; “Health Controversies” EasyDiagnosis (January 2004) ) Unknown, “Fund for Rural America” Pennsylvania State University (January1999) 2.) Unknown, “Fund for Rural America” Pennsylvania State University (January1999) ) Bansal, M. Dr.; “Medical Informatics: A Promising Future” Healthcare Management (July 2003) /ithealthcare4.html 3.) Bansal, M. Dr.; “Medical Informatics: A Promising Future” Healthcare Management (July 2003) /ithealthcare4.html /ithealthcare4.html /ithealthcare4.html