NST expert: an intelligent program for NST interpretation

An intelligent program for the analysis and interpretation of the nonstress test (NST) is described. The NST takes baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) data from electronic FHR monitors and relates the data to fetal activity. It is stressed the test should not only consider the raw FHR data, referenced to a scale of normal or critical parameter values, but should also account for the pregnancy risk factors for which the test was indicated. The incorporation of explanatory modules that run in parallel and justification structures extends the applicability of the program and provides a tool for the training of future experts.<>