Architecture for a multipurpose guideline execution engine.

Integration of guideline knowledge into the clinical workflow is essential, for improving adherence to guidelines. Guidelines in structured formats can be utilized by computer programs to provide decision support in clinical information systems, as well as to facilitate workflow. We have designed an architecture for a flexible guideline execution engine that can be utilized in clinical decision support applications. The engine may be utilized for other applications such as referral management, medical education, and conducting clinical trials. The engine executes guidelines that are defined in an extension of the Guideline Interchange Format (GLIF). GLIF was extended to support representation of constructs that are essential to the execution of the guideline. A prototype of the engine was implemented based on this architecture. The engine is being utilized in two clinical applications that draw on guidelines for decision support. The engine was also used for developing an educational application aimed at testing knowledge of guideline recommendations.