Problem-Knowledge Couplers

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Introduction

Problem-Knowledge Couplers (PKC) is founded by Dr. Lawrence L. Weed, the father of problem-oriented medical record (POMR). POMR generally includes four parts: Subjective, Objective, Analytical and Planning(SOAP) progress notes. Dr Weed developed SOAP and POMR in the early 1960s, and still continues to work on and advocate it's use. SOAP is commonly used today by all physicians in medical records, but not necessarily as a problem-oriented structure.

PKC right now provides software tools that help both healthcare consumers and providers make well informed medical decisions. Take their Headache Diaggnosis Coupler as an example, it is web-based platform with four steps

  • Step 1 Enter data
  • Step 2 Review Data
  • Step 3 Review guidance
  • Step 4 Finish


The coupler design is based on two premises, that the human mind cannot process large amounts of data, and creating arobust decision making system requires consistant data gathering from many patients and doctors.1 PKC collects data from a variety of patients and providers and can find consistencies with diagnostic hypotheses for both common and uncommon diagnoses. It can provide alternative treatments if necessary, or provide evidence of disease progression.


Reference

1 PKC www.pkc.com Introduction to Problem-Knowledge Couplers, PCK Corporation