Fuzzy cognitive maps for decision making in triage of non-critical elderly patients

Abstract

Triage is a well-known process of evaluating and categorizing patients' condition, widely applied in Emergency Departments (EDs) of hospitals. Since EDs are frequently overcrowded, this makes triage an extremely challenging process to make sure patients are given the appropriate medical attention in time. This paper discusses the use of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps as a Medical Decision Support System for Triage decisions. The case of non-emergent and non-urgent elderly patients is examined and the corresponding model is developed.