Perspectives on clinical decision-making: the application of pattern analysis

It is the thesis of this presentation that more precise diagnoses and prognostications result when clinical information is analyzed as data-sets or patterns rather than collections of discrete data. Two examples are given in support of the thesis: the classification by computer of QRS complexes in the ambulatory electrocardiogram and the prediction of risk for recurrent ventricular tachycardia. The advantages to be gained from pattern analysis are: (1) significant variables are not preselected and the data are, therefore, unbiased, and (2) nuances in clinical patterns become evident when patients are presented as data-sets. It is proposed that competent physicians undoubtedly use pattern analysis in their decision-making and that expert systems designed to simulate physician behavior might be more accurate if based in pattern analysis.