"Correctness-by-DSL": Enabling the Development of "Correct-by-Construction" Computerised Clinical Protocols through a Domain-Specific Language Co-created With Medical Professionals: The Case of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Meacham, S., Fraser, S., Ukeje, G. and Phalp, K.
Journal: Information and Software Technology
Publisher: Elsevier
eISSN: 1873-6025
ISSN: 0950-5849
Abstract:Context: Clinical protocols, such as those documented by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), set essential standards in healthcare. Digitising these protocols is crucial for their effective implementation, ensuring accuracy in patient care and treatment outcomes.
However, existing formal approaches to digitisation can be costly and complex, making them less accessible to medical professionals who lack technical expertise.
Objectives: This study aims to develop a domain-specific language (DSL) that enables the creation of correct-by-construction computerised clinical protocols for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
The goal is to provide a framework that enhances accuracy, usability, and maintainability while being accessible to both medical professionals and language engineers.
Methods: The proposed DSL is implemented using MPS JetBrains, which allows for structured, rulebased development while maintaining an intuitive interface for non-technical users. The approach balances formal and non-formal elements, enabling clinicians to engage in protocol development without requiring deep programming knowledge. Collaboration with medical professionals was integral to refining the DSL’s design and functionality, ensuring alignment with real-world diagnostic and treatment workflows for CKD.
Results: The developed DSL provides a structured and error-resistant framework for clinical protocol development, improving correctness and reducing implementation errors. Initial feedback from medical professionals indicates that the approach is intuitive, effective, and has the potential for broader application beyond CKD protocols. The language’s integration into clinical workflows suggests that it can streamline protocol development, making it more efficient and accessible.
Conclusion: This research demonstrates that a DSL-based approach can enhance the digital transformation of clinical protocols while ensuring correctness and usability. The success of the CKD-focused DSL suggests potential expansion to other medical domains, thereby democratising complex technological advancements for non-technical healthcare professionals. Future work will explore scalability and further refinement based on broader clinical engagement.
Source: Manual
