New framework may limit resource wasting for multimorbid patients
Researchers have developed a new protocol that helps computers resolve conflicting clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for patients with more than one clinical disease indication. The method could limit duplicate testing and resource wasting.
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are evidence-based, best-practice tools employed by healthcare providers in their treatment decision making processes. Now, researchers from the University of Warwick (UK) have developed a method for improving support automation for patients with multiple diseases and potentially conflicting CPGs.
CPGs are easily inputted into computers; this automation allows for more rapid and accurate provision of patient care. However, for patients with more than one disease indication — termed multimorbid patients — complexities can arise when the CPGs for the various conditions are conflicting.
Frequently asked questions:
To overcome some of these associated challenges, researchers at the University of Warwick’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (UK), have developed a new framework called MuCIGREF — the Multiple Computer Interpretable Guideline Representation and Execution Framework.
The methods outlined in the framework allows for the development of computer interpretable guidelines for each CPG inputted. These are then run in parallel to generate a personal care plan for each multi-morbid patient.
The approach recognizes and rapidly resolves care plan conflicts and limits unnecessary resource use or care duplications, such as lab tests.
Initial positive results, form trialling the framework on various CPGs from the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE; London, UK), have been published and researchers hope to extend these with further, real-world work to validate the methods.
Sources:
Bilici E, Despotou G, Arvanitis TN. Concurrent execution of multiple computer-interpretable Clinical Practice Guidelines and their interrelations. Stud Health Technol Inform. 262:7—10; (2019);
https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/new_approach_helps
What are CPGs?
CPGs represent a body of knowledge concerning best-practice healthcare guidance. CGPs can take the form of evidence-based flow charts and clinical statements.
What is multimorbidity?
Multimorbidity is a term used to refer to the co-occurrence of multiple medical conditions in a single patients, at the same time. The distinction between multimorbid and comorbid is often ambiguous and these words are frequently used interchangeably.