ESPRE--expert system for platelet request evaluation.

The expert system for platelet request evaluation (ESPRE) is being developed to support independent learning and decision making regarding the use of platelet transfusions while physicians are actively engaged in clinical practice. The knowledge of transfusion medicine incorporated in ESPRE has been largely gathered from blood bank physicians responsible for determining the appropriateness of blood product administration. Knowledge acquisition methods have included structured and unstructured interviews with protocol analysis using real and fabricated transfusion cases and critiques of an expert system prototype's conclusions. For knowledge representation, ESPRE uses frames with embedded production rules to provide processing efficiency and facilitate knowledge base development. ESPRE automatically acquires key laboratory findings from a laboratory information system. Systems such as ESPRE require careful evaluation and, if proven effective and accurate, present to laboratorians a new tool for delivering high-quality and individually adapted health care.