Although the creation of fuzzy sets can be an arbitrary process, we believe that fuzzy inferencing is an effective tool for the expression of guideline recommendations, and that it can be useful for the management of imprecision and uncertainty. A design model for computer-based guideline implementation based on information management services. Clinical practice guidelines must be implemented effectively if they are to influence the behavior of clinicians. Recommendation services determine appropriate activities in specific clinical circumstances. Documentation services involve data capture.
Registration services integrate demographic and administrative data.
Explanation services enhance the credibility of automated recommendations by providing supportive evidence and rating the quality of evidence. Calculation services measure time intervals, suggest medication dosages, and perform other computational tasks. Communication services employ standards for information transfer and provide data security. Aggregation services associate outcomes with specific guideline interventions. We provide examples of the eight services that make up the model from five evidence-based practice parameters developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.