Integration of Heterogeneous Medical Decision Support Systems Based on Web Services

Abstract

This study employs the framework of web services in conjunction with Bayesian theorem and decision trees to construct a web-services-based decision support system for medical diagnosis and treatment. The purpose is to help users (physicians) with issues pertinent to medical diagnosis and treatment decisions. Users through the system key in available prior probability and through computation based on Bayesian theorem obtain the diagnosis. The process helps users enhance the quality and efficiency of medical decisions, and the diagnosis can be transmitted to a decision-tree-based treatment decision support service component via XML to generate recommendation and analysis for treatment decisions. On the other hand, features of web services enable this medical decision support system to offer more service platforms than conventional one. Users will have access to the system whether they use Windows, Macintosh, Linux or any other platforms that connect with the Internet via HTTP. More important is the fact that after the system is completed all Internet service providers will be able to access the system as a software unit freely and quickly. This way, the goal of this study to provide medical decision support tools and speedily integrate heterogeneous medical decision support systems can be effectively attained.