Inference and Verification in Medical Appropriateness Criteria Using Gröbner Bases

In this article techniques borrowed from Computer Algebra (Gröbner Bases) are applied to deal with Medical Appropriateness Criteria including uncertainty. The knowledge was provided in the format of a table. A previous translation of the table into the format of a “Rule Based System” (denoted RBS) based on a three-valued logic is required beforehand to apply these techniques. Once the RBS has been obtained, we apply a Computer Algebra based inference engine, both to detect anomalies and to infer new knowledge. A specific set of criteria for coronary artery surgery (originally presented in the form of a table) is analyzed in detail.