Logical analysis of the guideline shows that it is incomplete and contains several ambiguities that must be addressed before the guideline can be operationalized. Once the user-audience is defined guideline decision points are examined and a structured data entry system is devised. Support of clinicians' workflow is provided by an integrated capability for encounter documentation, dosage calculation, and prescription-writing. A pen-based, graphical interface represents an appropriate platform for implementation of the system because of its ease of use and portability. Representation of clinical practice guidelines in conventional and augmented decision tables.
Decision tables provide the basic framework for the proposed knowledge representation model.
Guideline logic is represented as rules in conventional decision tables. These tables are augmented by layers where collateral information is recorded in slots beneath the logic. Decision tables organize rules into cohesive rule sets wherein complex logic is clarified. Decision table rule sets may be verified to assure completeness and consistency. Optimization and display of rule sets as sequential decision trees may enhance the comprehensibility of the logic.