BlockNCD App: A Rule-Based Decision Support System for Non-Communicable Disease Risk Assessment

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Early detection and management could mitigate NCD-related complications. The Philippine Package for Essential NCD Interventions (PhilPEN) is a set of protocols to identify the risk level of developing NCD among at-risk patients and recommend an action plan based on a clinical service pathway. This paper proposes a framework in building a rule-based decision support system for risk assessment and management of NCDs following the PhilPEN and a decision tree derived from the risk prediction chart. It is demonstrated through a prototype application called "BlockNCD App". BlockNCD App maintains a registry of enrolled clients for risk assessment and screening. Variables such as age, gender, lifestyle and laboratory results are processed by the application and calculates the NCD risk level of the client. Depending on the NCD risk level, BlockNCD App recommends appropriate medical intervention. The use of an automated decision support systems can help in managing NCD cases better through early intervention and treatment and by minimizing errors that arise from manual interpretation of risk prediction charts and clinical pathways.