The construction and use of inference spaces in clinical information processing

Very little is known about the cognitive processes which are used in the solution of clinical problems. Domain knowledge, clinical experience, case data, and case history form a hierarchically structured multidimensional environment in which causal relationships, temporal patterns, and aggregate disease categories have to be considered. Artificial intelligence techniques can be used for the (efficient) formalization of such environments and of the corresponding decision-making process. The purpose of this study is to present a model for such interference environments and a method to use it in computer-assisted decision-making. The benefits and limitations are discussed, emphasizing the completeness and consistency aspects of the knowledge formalization.<>