Realistic model for temporal reasoning in real-time patient monitoring

Time is a central factor in patient monitoring. Introduction of domain-dependent knowledge is essential to ensure efficiency of time managers, especially when embedded into systems that interact with the real world. We present a realistic temporal reasoning model based on two basic cognitive mechanisms: aggregation of similar observed situations and forgetting of non-relevant information. We describe in detail how we represented the proposed model and how, by refinement of domain-independent temporal entities and inferences, we added domain-specific knowledge to manage a clinical therapy. The model allows clinical observations to be incrementally interpreted as they are acquired by an intelligent system, mainly reactive in its reasoning, for the management of patients receiving respiratory support.