An interactive patient information and education system (Medical HouseCall) based on a physician expert system...

Informed patients are better equipped to participate in their own health care decisions. We present Medical HouseCall (TM), a consumer expert system and medical information guide, derived in part from a diagnostic and treatment software used by physicians (Iliad). HouseCall(TM) generates a differential diagnosis based on the user symptoms and medical history. HouseCall(TM) also provides alerts for potentially harmful drug interactions, allows for the recording of personal medical history, and offers extensive but easy-to-read information about a variety of medical topics. Focus group evaluations of HouseCall (TM) have demonstrated the program's ease of use, as well as an appreciation of technology that can be used at home to investigate and understand health issues and participate in solving medical problems.