DIALOG: a model of diagnostic logic for internal medicine

Abstract

A system for computer assisted medical diagnosis has been developed, which incorporates an innovative model of diagnostic logic. A supporting medical data base has also been assembled, now comprising approximately fifty percent of the major diseases of internal medicine. Using weighted associations between disease entitles and their manifestations, and employing a powerful attention focusing heuristic, the system has demonstrated competence In dealing with difficult clinical problems involving multiple diagnoses.