THE DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE-BASED DECISION-SUPPORT FROM 1955 TO 2005

This presentation attempts a brief overview of progress during the fir st 50 years after the introduction of knowledge-based systems into cli nical medicine. Following a brief review of the first 30 years, the pr esent position is summarised. The main objective of the presentation, however, concerns the future: to summarize needs (perceived and actual ) for knowledge-based systems in clinical medicine; to assess the char acteristics that users perceive as important for future knowledge-base d systems; and to define the work that needs to be carried through in order to attain the goal of effective wide introduction of knowledge-b ased systems into routine clinical practice.