Let's explore using an algorithm that comes with the program first, to see how you can use it in your practice. Let's use the HYPERLIPIDEMIA - ATP III algorithm, which lets you apply the latest guidelines in the management of hyperlipidemia:

1. First, let's install some algorithms on your computer. Press Libraries\Algorithms\Import.

2. Select ALGOEXPT.ALF, the Algorithm Library File that comes with Welford Chart Notes.

3. By default, all of the algorithms in the file are checked. If you want all of them, simply press Ok. Make sure you have checked HYPERLIPIDEMIA - ATP III before pressing Ok.

4. Before using the algorithm, let's take a look at what it contains. Inside the Algorithm Editor, type in HYPER in the Title field and press Search.

5. You now see a list of algorithms whose titles begin with "HYPER". Select HYPLIPIDEMIA - ATP III from the list and press Ok or double-click it.

6. You can now read a description of what this algorithm does in the Description box, and the article it came from in the Source box.

7. Click on the Nodes tab. You can see a list of the nodes used by this algorithm in the Nodes in this Algorithm list.

8. Click on the Topics tab to see the topics associated with this algorithm. The program will automatically prompt you to let you know there is a relevant algorithm when you make one of these diagnoses or enter one of these lab tests (unless you choose not to have these automatic reminders by unchecking the Libraries\Algorithms\Options choices. For example, you may wish to deactivate them for your staff members).

9. Click on the References tab to see the journal reference for this algorithm.

10. Click on the Information tab to see more information about this algorithm.

11. This algorithm has no Web Links and no Image, so these pages have nothing on them. However, keep in mind that you can associate Web Links and Images with your algorithms (or edit this one to include these if you wish).

12. Press the View button at the bottom of the editor to see a flow diagram of the nodes in the algorithm. You can click on any node in the diagram to see its full content and edit it if you wish.

13. Press Quit to close the Algorithm Editor.

Now, let's run the HYPERLIPIDEMIA - ATP III algorithm to see it in action:

1. Press Libraries\Algorithms\Run.

2. You now see a list of all of the algorithms installed on your system. Choose the HYPERLIPIDEMIA - ATP III algorithm and press Ok or double-click it to activate it.

3. You now are asked to specify the name of the patient for whom you are running this algorithm. Let's choose Kelly Erickson. Enter her name and press Ok.

4. The first node asks whether the patient has any history of various vascular diseases. The program automatically looks up these diagnoses in the patient's Diagnosis Editor and answers the question (False in her case). The computer explains its reasoning to you in the Reason box. Note that you can choose to override the answer if you know something about the patient that has not been recorded in the computer.

5. You are curious as to why this node is important. Press Info\This Node to read the explanation.

6. Notice that you can view the literature reference by pressing the Reference button and can view the flow diagram by pressing View.

7. Press Next to go on to the next node. The program looks up in Kelly's Social History Expander whether or not she smokes. It answers False and gives its reason, although again you can override it. Press Next.

8. The program now determines if the patient has a diagnosis of hypertension or is on any antihypertensive medications by looking in the patient's Diagnosis and Medication Editors. You agree with False and press Next.

9. Now the program looks up the patient's last HDL in the Lab Book and determines that the patient never had one recorded. It therefore assumes it wasn't known to be less than 40 and answers False. Now, if you know it and it was < 40, you can switch this to TRUE. If you want to check what is in her Lab Book, you can press Go To\Lab Book. When you are done, press Next.

10. The program also cannot verify that she had an HDL >60, so it answers False. Press Next.

11. Now the program wants to know if the patient has a first degree relative with coronary disease. The program cannot look up the answer to this complex question directly, so you are asked to answer it yourself, "yes" or "no". You can use Go To\Expanders\Family History to decide. Press Next.

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