CareCruiser: Exploring and visualizing plans, events, and effects interactively

In recent years, sophisticated visualization methods have been developed to support both, the logical structure and the time-oriented aspects of computer-executable clinical treatment plans. However, visualizing the effects of applying treatment plans as well as supporting the exploration of effects on the patient´s condition are still largely unresolved tasks. To fill this gap, we have developed a prototype that enhances known visualization methods to communicate the processes of treatment plan application together with their effects on a patient´s condition in an easily understandable way. Our prototype combines the advantages of enhanced visual recognition of patterns with traditional information of parameters´ development. Thus, it provides means (1) to assess success or failure of previously applied treatment plans, (2) to explore the effects of each applied clinical action on the patient´s condition, and (3) to identify sub-optimal treatment choices. These means help physicians to optimize their treatment choices and enable developers of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to investigate and readjust these treatment plans.