Qualitative Physiology: from Qualitative Processes to Virtual Patients

In this paper, we describe an implementation of qualitative physiology in the field of cardiac emergencies, which is integrated to a 3D virtual patient. . The system integrates qualitative simulation techniques with a realistic visual simulation of the patient in a 3D environment representing an ER room. We have adapted Qualitative Process Theory (QPT) to the representation of physiological processes in order to be able to generate appropriate pathophysiological models. After a brief review of the use of qualitative simulation in cardiology, we describe how a subset of cardiac physiology can be modelled using qualitative process theory and discuss knowledge representation issues. We then present results obtained by the system and the benefits that can be derived from the use of a virtual patient in terms of training. Finally, we explore the problem of integrating multiple pathophysiological models for various aetiologies of shock states.