What is an Expert System?
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Transcript What is an Expert System?
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
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.
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.
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”
Physicians, in recent years, have
become increasingly alienated with the
clinical setting
Medical diagnoses are fundamentally
uncertain
Advantages
New level of patient-physician honesty
Significant money savings
Possible 24hr service
Very short wait periods
Patient medical history known and
considered in diagnosis
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?
Can human error ever be completely
eliminated?
Machine diagnosis impersonal
Lack of trust
Specific Example
MatheMEDics® Thorask
Windows-based software
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 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
References
1.) Sturman, M.F. MD, FACP; “Health
Controversies” EasyDiagnosis (January 2004)
http://easydiagnosis.com/articles/technology
2.) Unknown, “Fund for Rural America”
Pennsylvania State University (January1999)
http://www.fra.cas.psu.edu/expsys.htm
3.) Bansal, M. Dr.; “Medical Informatics: A
Promising Future” Healthcare Management
(July 2003)
http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/2003
0731/ithealthcare4.html