An object oriented approach to interpret medical knowledge based on the Arden syntax

A method is presented where medical knowledge modules, written in the Arden Syntax, are used in a decision-support system (DSS). Knowledge modules are, after syntax-checking, translated into the object oriented programming language C++, compiled and linked to the DSS. The object oriented approach together with developed tools, such as knowledge editor and translator, makes it possible to implement the Arden Syntax and to get an efficient, easy-maintained DSS. Work on a prototype shows that this approach has several advantages when building a DSS where medical knowledge is represented in the Arden Syntax.