The COLLABORADI project: A rule-based diagnostic imaging prescription system

Abstract

In recent years we have been witnessing significant advances in the medical imaging techniques. With respect to the past, current imaging processes enable physicians to reach higher precision level when it comes to diagnosing patients' diseases. Such a precision is supported by sophisticated imaging machinery, whose cost increases with the technological advances. Also, most of imaging scans expose patients to ionizing radiation which in certain cases may seriously harm their health. In this panorama, ordering inappropriate imaging examinations has a great impact on both the economy of a nation and on its citizens' health. Many governments have published guidelines which physicians should follow when deciding which imaging technique is to be prescribed to best answer to a clinical question. The COLLABORADI project is a recently concluded research project which studied the phenomenon of inappropriate imaging prescriptions in Sicily (Italy), and proposed the design and implementation of a decision support system to help physicians to set up the most appropriate diagnostic route for their patients. This paper discusses the work carried out within the project.