NUTRI-EX: A Knowledge-Based Expert System for Computation and Evaluation Of Parenteral Nutrition Requirements

Abstract

NUTRI-EX is an online knowledge-based expert system for computation and evaluation of parenteral nutrition (PN) requirements. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the provision of nutrients via the intravenous route, normally used when a patient's digestive system cannot function properly. The quantitative needs of patients receiving PN need to be assessed carefully because mistakes in computation may lead to unwanted drug events and life-threatening complications. NUTRI-EX is designed to replace the manual evaluation and computation of PN requirements by a computerized PN sheet generator. It computes for the PN requirements based on a set of rules that are provided in the knowledge-base, set and updated by the PN expert. The PN requirements are evaluated and computed depending also on the values provided by the most recent patient record. The system also provides management of patient accounts including patient record, PN schedule and PN history.