Framework for Providing Workflow Guidance

1 . Non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, that when executed, cause a processor to execute steps comprising:

building a workflow graph including nodes representative of workflow point-states and links connecting the nodes and are representative of user tasks performed via a workflow system;

updating the workflow graph as one or more expert users use the workflow system; and

providing user guidance, based on the workflow graph, to perform a desired workflow via the workflow system.

2 . The computer-readable media of claim 1 , wherein updating the workflow graph comprises updating one or more desirability factors associated with one or more links of the workflow graph.

3 . The computer-readable media of claim 1 , wherein the workflow system comprises a computerized physician order entry system.

4 . A method of providing workflow guidance, comprising:

retrieving a workflow graph from a pre-built knowledge base, wherein an end node of the workflow graph is representative of a user's desired workflow point-state associated with a workflow system;

determining, based on the workflow graph, a most efficient path from a current workflow point-state to the desired workflow point-state to perform the desired workflow via the workflow system; and

providing, according to the determined most efficient path, a suggestion of a next task to be performed by the user.

5 . The method of claim 4 further comprising:

building the knowledge base including the workflow graph; and

updating the knowledge base as one or more users use the workflow system.

6 . The method of claim 5 wherein building the knowledge base comprises associating one or more heuristics with one or more links of the workflow graph.

7 . The method of claim 5 wherein building the knowledge base comprises associating one or more pre-conditions with one or more links of the workflow graph.

8 . The method of claim 5 wherein updating the knowledge base comprises updating one or more desirability factors associated with one or more links of the workflow graph.

9 . The method of claim 4 wherein determining the most efficient path comprises:

scanning the workflow graph for a current node that represents the current workflow point-state;

evaluating one or more links leading from the current node to determine a most efficient link leading towards the desired workflow point-state.

10 . The method of claim 9 wherein evaluating the one or more links comprises evaluating based on one or more pre-conditions and desirability factors associated with the one or more links.

11 . The method of claim 4 wherein determining the most efficient path comprises using one or more heuristics associated with one or more links leading from the current node to determine a most efficient link leading towards the desired workflow point-state.

12 . The method of claim 4 further comprising:

determining if the user has adopted the suggestion; and

if the user has adopted the suggestion and the user's desired workflow point-state has not been achieved, providing another suggestion of the next task according to the determined most efficient path.

13 . The method of claim 4 further comprising:

determining if the user has adopted the suggestion; and

if the user has not adopted the suggestion and the user's desired workflow point-state has not been achieved, re-determining, based on the workflow graph, a most efficient path from another current workflow point-state to the desired workflow point-state

14 . A system for providing workflow guidance, comprising:

non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions and a pre-built knowledge base stored thereon; and

a processor in communication with the non-transitory computer-readable media, the processor being operative with the computer-executable instructions to:

retrieve a workflow graph from the knowledge base, wherein an end node of the workflow graph is representative of a user's desired workflow point-state associated with a workflow system;

determine, based on the workflow graph, a most efficient path from a current workflow point-state to the desired workflow point-state; and

provide, according to the determined most efficient path, a suggestion of a next task to be performed by the user.

15 . The system of claim 14 wherein the workflow system comprises a computerized physician order entry system.

16 . The system of claim 14 wherein the processor is further operative with the computer-executable instructions to:

build the workflow graph in the knowledge base; and

update the workflow graph as one or more expert users use the workflow system.

17 . The system of claim 16 wherein one or more links of the workflow graph are associated with one or more heuristics.

18 . The system of claim 16 wherein one or more links of the workflow graph are associated with one or more pre-conditions.

19 . The system of claim 16 wherein the processor is further operative with the computer-executable instructions to update the workflow graph by updating one or more desirability factors associated with one or more links of the workflow graph.

20 . The system of claim 16 wherein the processor is further operative with the computer-executable instructions to determine the most efficient path based pre-conditions, desirability factors, heuristics, or a combination thereof, associated with links of the workflow graph.