I read the link (http://www.netunion.com/salutproject.htm). See response below. . .
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andrew Ho [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
>
>
> On Thu, 18 Oct 2001, Thierry Raguin wrote:
> ...
> > > Is this the SALUT project?
> (http://www.netunion.com/salutproject.htm)
> > >
> > > Is it going to release anything under open source license?
> ...
>
> > But I do not think we can release it under open source
> license because
> > the content of the tool could be dangerous if it is used out of its
> > context.
I don't think it dangerous to a patient. It's just an information system, and
any person commiting malpractice can never use software as an excuse - a standard
assumption in the medical community (in the U.S. anyway).
As in any medical information system the content itself (patient data) would
need to be private. With respect to the specific knowledge encoded into the
expert system, you don't need to worry about it because a) An expert system
only points out probabilities of a particular outcome, and interpreting the net's
output as a treatment plan would be an obvious gross misuse of the system; and
b) the recommendations of a practitioner using the tool will still be no better
than the practitioner him/herself.
>
>
> > The project has also started to develop a research network on eating
> > disorders with articles, documents, congresses, etc. This
> research network
> > will be open to everyone.
This decision also supports an open license like GNU. The value of the
project comes from the articles, documents, congresses, etc . . . and
you'll find the software itself is just a small factor in the overall
value of the project.
Richard Schilling
Webmaster / Web Integration Programmer
Affiliated Health Services
Mount Vernon, WA USA
http://www.affiliatedhealth.org
phone: 360.856.7129
