A generic approach to computer-based Clinical Practice Guideline management using the ECA Rule paradigm and active databases

The increasing demand for reduced cost and improved quality of service in healthcare has prompted the call for better management of medical knowledge. The main emphasis has been on knowledge that is acquired through experience and medical research and then formalised into Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). This paper presents a generic approach to CPG information and knowledge management that uses the Event-Condition-Action (ECA) rule paradigm and active databases within a unified management framework. The paper focuses on an approach for facilitating the use and management of CPGs by clinicians through delivering the CPGs at the point-of-care by a computerised mechanism.