A multi-agent, knowledge-based system for planning and scheduling medical tests

The use of multi-agent architectures in knowledge-based systems is increasing with the recognition that complex, difficult tasks need to be decomposed into smaller sub-tasks and that each sub-task should be solved with the most appropriate reasoning technique. Complex tasks require complex architectures. This research took a preliminary look at planning and scheduling in a medical domain. The medical test planning system (MTPS) is a multi-agent software system for planning and scheduling medical tests. East of the main agents is responsible for solving a sub-task of the larger problem using an appropriate reasoning technique. While some of the issues addressed in the system stemmed from the domain of medical testing, the approach to planning and scheduling operations within a domain is general.<>