Avicenna is a clinical diagnostic decision-support system which describes the relationships between symptoms and signs, and the diseases of which they are a part. Because of the large amount of quantitative clinical information contained in its knowledge base, Avicenna can provide a variety of clinical support functions. One of the most commonly used functions is Case Analysis. In this mode, the program produces a ranked list of diagnoses which might explain (or be associated with) the clinical findings entered by the user. Other commonly used functions of Avicenna are medical entities information. After the user types in a disease or finding name, the program will list those findings which occur in the disease, or those diseases in which the clinical finding is seen and etc. Because of the quantitative information relating the findings to diseases, Avicenna is able to display disease and finding information in a ranked order with the most common occurring first. This ordering is an important and educational way in which to view the clinical data, as such ordering is usually unavailable in textbooks or other traditional knowledge resources. Avicenna is completely reliable and easy to use (WYSIWYG!). Avicenna could be easily installed on platforms including Windows OS. All diagnostic results could also be saved and printed.

1. Avicenna Main Features: Avicenna software includes the following main features:
   >> Create problem-based electronic patient visit notes using a point and click system of selecting and presenting symptoms; diagnoses, and treatments;
   >> As symptoms and diagnoses are selected, real-time decision support features assist with the interpretation of symptoms and signs, making a diagnosis, selecting treatment and investigations, and selecting medication and checking for drug-drug and drug-disease interactions;
   >> Alter clinical details used in the decision support to suit your particular practice. At this stage, the majority of the data still needs to be entered.
2. Avicenna Requirements: The minimum system and software requirements for Avicenna are:
   Hardware requirements: For acceptable performance, a computer with at least a Pentium® III or IV processor is required with 256MB of RAM (preferably more) and a display with at least 1024×768 resolution with 16-bit color depth. A resolution of 800×600 could be used, but the controls will need to be scaled down in size from the preferences dialog box. Also, 450MB of hard disk space and a CD-ROM drive with 16X speed or higher will be required for installation.
   Software requirements: Windows® ME/NT/2000/XP OS is required. Avicenna is designed and implemented on the basis of Microsoft .NET high technology and therefore, Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 or higher must be installed (available on Avicenna CD). The program communicates with the patients’ database via Microsoft ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) using the Microsoft Jet Database Engine (version 4); so MDAC 2.6 or later is also required. These files are normally installed with Windows, but this is not necessarily so. If you find that you can not run Avicenna due to the program being unable to access the database, then you need to consider the possibility that you do not have the necessary files installed. You can get these files from the Avicenna CD (mdac_typ.exe). A phone connection will be required for product activation.
3. Data Structures: As mentioned before, all medical entities stored in Avicenna database are classified into four types: Disorders, Findings, Treatments, and Special Topics. Correspondingly, every type is categorized into some classes and subclasses. Also, every entity includes 16 parts: Type, Class, Subclass, Sex, Age Range, Mortality, Name, Alternative Names, Contents, Author, Update, Links, Pictures, Effects, Do (or Treatments), and Don’t (or Prevention).
4. Our Objectives: We are a team including general medical practitioners, computer programmers, and A.I. specialists. We have a desire to improve the quality of medical practice through the use of information technology (I.T.). Avicenna is our ongoing attempt to produce a program that will provide real-time, relevant diagnostic, treatment, and investigation assistance during a consultation. We welcome criticism, suggestions and bug reports. Feel free and send us any question or comment to: info@pezeshkyar.com
5. Avicenna Limited Warranty: Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co. expressly disclaims any warranty for Avicenna. Avicenna and any related documentation is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or no infringement. The entire risk arising out of use or performance of Avicenna remains with user. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co. be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for any adverse event affecting patient(s), damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use Avicenna or the provision of or failure to provide support services, even if Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co. has been advised of the possibility of such damages. There is no warranty that the medical data distributed with the program is correct and Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co. takes no responsibility for any clinical error that may occur as a result of using that data. The data may not conform to current standards of practice in user state, province, or country. The data is incomplete and does not replace good clinical judgment and practice. The data provided by Avicenna should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co. makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only – they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co.’s entire liability and user’s exclusive remedy shall be, at Pezeshkyar Pars Biomedical Co.’s option, either (a) return of the price paid, or (b) repair or replacement of Avicenna, provided that proof of purchase is given. This Limited Warranty is void if failure of Avicenna has resulted from accident, abuse, or misapplication.