TestScript

TestScript is a proposed standard for defining clinical decision support rules. It is an XML-based format developed by Health Level Seven International (HL7) to represent the logic of these rules in a machine-readable way. The primary goal of TestScript is to enable the automated testing and validation of clinical decision support (CDS) systems.

The standard allows for the specification of a test case, which includes preconditions, test steps, and expected outcomes. These components describe how a CDS system should behave when presented with specific patient data or clinical scenarios. TestScript aims to ensure interoperability and consistency in the implementation of CDS rules across different healthcare information systems.

By using TestScript, developers and implementers can create reproducible tests that verify whether a CDS system is functioning as intended. This is crucial for patient safety, as errors in CDS logic can lead to incorrect recommendations or alerts. The standardization of rule representation and testing facilitates collaboration and reduces the burden of manual validation. While still under development and adoption, TestScript represents an important step towards more robust and reliable clinical decision support.