Medical algorithm: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 09:23, 21 February 2007

Revision as of 09:58, 12 March 2007

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In common with most science and medicine, algorithms whose contents are not wholly available for scrutiny and open to improvement should be regarded with suspicion.

A grammar - the [[Arden Syntaxsyntax]] - exists for describing algorithms in terms of [[Medical Logic Module]]s. An approach such as this should allow exchange of MLMs between doctors and establishments, and enrichment of the common stock of tools.

Medical algorithms based on best practice can assist everyone involved in delivery of standardized treatment via a wide range of clinical care providers. Many are presented as [[Clinical trial protocol|protocol]]s and it is a key task in training to ensure people step outside the protocol when necessary. In our present state of knowledge, generating hints and producing guidelines may be less satisfying to the authors, but more appropriate.