BIB-VERSION:: CS-TR-v2.0
          ID:: STAN//CS-TR-98-1609
       ENTRY:: July 28, 1998
ORGANIZATION:: Stanford University, Department of Computer Science
       TITLE:: Automated creation of clinical-practice guidelines from
               decision models
        TYPE:: Thesis
        TYPE:: Technical Report
      AUTHOR:: Sanders, Gillian D.
        DATE:: July 1998
       PAGES:: 244
    ABSTRACT:: I developed an approach that allows clinical-practice
               guideline (CPG) developers to create, disseminate, and tailor
               CPGs, using decision models (DMs). I propose that guideline
               developers can use computer-based DMs that reflect global and
               site-specific data to generate CPGs. Such CPGs are high
               quality, can be tailored to specific settings, and can be
               modified automatically as the DM or evidence evolves.

               I defined conceptual models for representing CPGs and DMs,
               and formalized a method for mapping between these two
               representations. I designed a DM annotation editor that
               queries the decision analyst for missing knowledge. I
               implemented the ALCHEMIST system that encompasses the
               conceptual models, mapping algorithm, and the resulting
               tailoring abilities.

               I evaluated the design of both conceptual models, and the
               accuracy of the mapping algorithm. To show that ALCHEMIST
               produces high-quality CPGs, I had users rate the quality of
               produced CPGs using a guideline-rating key, and evaluate
               ALCHEMIST's tailoring abilities.

               ALCHEMIST automates the DM-to-CPG process and distributes the
               CPG over the web to allow local developers to apply, tailor,
               and maintain a global CPG. I argue that my framework is a
               method for guideline developers to create and maintain
               automated CPGs, and it thus promotes high-quality and
               cost-effective health care.
       NOTES:: [Adminitrivia V1/Prg/19980728]
         END:: STAN//CS-TR-98-1609