A hypertext knowledge base medium for the delivery of epidemiological models and expert systems

The development of a personal computer based user interface for the delivery of epidemiological models and associated information is described. The Microsoft Windows application was designed using proprietary high level programming software (KnowledgePro Gold, Knowledge Garden, Setauket, New York) and makes use of hypertext technology. The program, E WISE, (Equine Welfare Information System/Expert), provides a single user interface facilitating access to different types of disease model and expert systems for equine health and welfare. Two models are described. First, an heuristic based decision support system for the diagnosis of coughing in the horse is structured to emphasise the visibility of the underlying inferential mechanism as well as to provide hypertext links to information and illustrations associated with possible disease diagnoses. Second, the E WISE shell is used to provide access to a logistic regression model of the risk factors associated with the need for surgery in cases of equine colic. The modular design of a knowledge base in a familiar standardised environment increases functionality and acceptance of a range of models by end users.