A Bayesian Network Model for the Diagnosis of the Caring Procedure for Wheelchair Users with Spinal Injury

This paper describes a probabilistic causal model for the caring procedure to be followed on wheelchair users with spinal injury. Uncertainty in the caring procedure arises mostly from incomplete information about patient findings (i.e. the signs and symptoms) due to loss of sensation and movement caused by the spinal cord injury. As a result, it may not be easy to assess the extent of a condition -- and, thus, make an accurate diagnosis. Bayesian networks are used for diagnostic reasoning because they offer a way of conducting probabilistic inference about the conditions associated with the caring procedure in the face of uncertainty. The network structure and numerical parameters are based on data elicited from the qualified staff nurses and literature of the National Spinal Injury Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK. We also present the model and report the results of the diagnostic performance tests using the AgenaRisk Bayesian network package.