MED. INFORM. (1980), VOL. 5 , NO. 3, 243-244

Book reviews

Hzimm niid Arti’cial Intelligence. Edited by FRIEDHAKT KLIX. (North Holland). 227 pp. 536.50 and Dfl. 75.00.

This book is the outcome of a symposium of the International Congress of Psychology, held in Paris in 1976, exploring basic problems in human and artificial intelligence. One of the important objectives was to explore intelligent behaviour and to see if there were comparable mechanisms used in artificial intelligence and human cognitive processes. It has been suggested that the artificial intelligence procedures might be useful to provide models for natural cognitive processes.

T h e papers are divided into two main parts. T h e first deals with the problems of exploring cognitive capabilities by means of models. There are interesting papers giving examples of artificial intelligence mechanisms for goal seeking, planning and reasoning. Other papers explore the organization of memory and how to derive implicitly stored information by rules. T h e mechanisms of problem-solving in natural and artificial intelligence areas are explored. T h e importance of language performance and learning theory in relation to problem-solving are stressed.

T h e second part investigates the verbal labelling of structures for cognitive performance. This involves language functions and these are related to different models. These activities are related to teaching, programming and communication. There is an interesting presentation following these ideas of effective procedures for artificial language comprehension by a computer. Basically the conclusions were that computer simulation is an important tool in comprehending cognitive processes both in structure and time course. Psychological analysis is seen to he important in relation to the construction of techniques and procedures in artificial intelligence. This is an interesting and complex basic review, difficult fundamental issues are explored. I t provides a useful entry point for those interested and it will undoubtedly become more important in the future. In relation to medicine, artifical intelligence procedures play an important part in helping to delineate the conceptual parameters of medicine and thus contribute towards a deeper understanding of medical systems.

J O H ~ AVDLRSOY k-iriR’s College Hospital Medicnl School, London, U K

P~lj~sician’s Primer on Computers-Privnte practice. J A N F. BRANDEJS and C;nAHAxi PACE. (Heath I,exington, USA). 178 pp.

This hook presents the issues and solutions for computerization in the physician’s office. I t directly relates to experiences in the United States and Canada but has relevance to general practice and office procedures in Europe.

I here is a review of the major problems in general practice related to personnel management, organization and medical records ni th a view to shoxving that computers can contribute in these areas. This is follobved by a brief outline of the histor) of medical computing which could be rather technical for the uninitiated reader.

Following a brief reference to the human aspects of the introduction of medical computing to a group practice there is a discussion of the kinds of application programs that are thought to be both practical and important. These cover billing and administrative procedures, as \yell as medical records and patient scheduling. T h e need to develop modular systems is stressed not only because of development requirements but also for maintenance purposes. T h e system called ‘COSTAR’ is investigated in detail.

In relation to terminal input of the patient record, stress is laid on the fact that data entry may require more time than there is available for the consultation. Also, unless the data is going to he used later, time is wasted in recording it. I t is important to develop formats for the medical record and the use of standard vocabulary not only makes for easier diagnostic

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