PC-based 'Expert System' Applications for Troubleshooting a Blood Bank Computer System

The Editor is looking for a PC program that would function as an 'Expert System' and could be used to assist in the diagnosis of hardware, software and network problems with the blood bank computer system. We have a help desk that handles many calls that could be quickly resolved by a rules-based 'Expert System'. We have looked at many discussions on the Internet but have not found any suitable applications that could be used in troubleshooting. We are aware of computer applications that have been developed to assist in the diagnosis of disease. Do any colleagues know of an application that is PC-based, easy to maintain and will automatically incorporate new information to improve its ability to diagnose computer problems? The problem with simple 'decision-tree' applications is that they must be manually rebuilt, whenever new question or answer information is added to the tree. We cannot afford to spend a lot of time editing a troubleshooting system.

Submit comments to the e-Network Forum at enetworkforum@cbbsweb.org

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Senior Editor & Moderator

W. Tait Stevens, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator

Elizabeth M. St. Lezin, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Associate Editor & Moderator

The e-Network Forum is supported in part by the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) and the American Red Cross Blood Services (ARCBS) and endorses collegial discussion among blood banking and transfusion medicine professionals. However, neither the CBBS nor the ARCBS in any way endorse the specific views and opinions expressed in the forum. The forum is not intended as a substitute for medical or legal advice and the content should not be relied upon for any medical or legal purposes. Readers should make their own determinations as to: (i) what constitutes appropriate medical, technical, and administrative practices, and (ii) how best to comply with laws and regulations relevant to their questions. For the latter, they should consider consulting, as to any medical matters, a qualified physician, and, as to any legal matters, an attorney familiar with related state and federal laws. The user of the forum, by accessing same, assumes all risks arising out of such use and releases CBBS and their respective members, directors, officers and agents from and against any loss, damage, claim or liability arising out of such use of the Forum.