An Expert System for Performance-based Direct Delivery of Published Clinical Evidence

Methods: The Quality Feedback Expert System (QFES) was developed by applying a Level-5 expert system shell to generate clinical direct reports for performance improvement. The system comprises three data and knowledge bases: 1) a knowledge base of measurable clinical practice parameters; 2) a practice pattern database of provider-specific numbers of patients and clinical activities; and 3) a management rule base comprising “redline rules” that identify providers whose practice styles vary significantly. Clinical direct reports consist of a table of practice data highlighting individual utilization vs recommendation and selected pertinent statements from medical literature.