Modelling and decision support in physiology and medicine: a methodological framework with lllustration

Abstract

This paper presents a methodological framework for modelling that has found wide application in the complex domains of physiology and medicine. The processes of model validation are centrally embedded within this framework. The parallelism between modelling per se and the development of model-based decision support systems is then considered, showing that it is possible to devise a unified methodological framework which encompasses the requirements both of model validation and decision support system evaluation. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated in the validation of a mathematical model of blood glucose dynamics; and in the development and evaluation of decision support systems such as those which are aimed at addressing the problem of advising the insulin-dependent diabetic patient on the adjustment of insulin dosage

Keywords:

• Modelling methodology
• mathematical modelling
• model validation
• decision support system
• system evaluation
• carbohydrate metabolism
• glucose/insulin model
• diabetes, insulin dosage adjustments

^∗Centre for Measurement and Information in Medicine City University, Northampton Square, London EClV OHB, UK. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. [email protected].

^∗Centre for Measurement and Information in Medicine City University, Northampton Square, London EClV OHB, UK. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. [email protected].

Notes

^∗Centre for Measurement and Information in Medicine City University, Northampton Square, London EClV OHB, UK. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. [email protected].