Modelling and Implementation of Correct by Construction Healthcare Workflows

Abstract

Abstract. We present a rigorous methodology for the modelling and implementation of correct by construction healthcare workflows. It relies on the theoretical concept of proofs-as-processes that draws a connection between logical proofs and process workflows. Based on this, our methodology offers an increased level of trust through mathematical guarantees of correctness for the constructed workflows, including type correctness, systematic resource management, and deadlock and livelock freedom. Workflows are modelled as compositions of abstract processes and can be deployed as executable code automatically. We demonstrate the benefits of our approach through a prototype system involving workflows for assignment and delegation of clinical services while tracking responsibility and accountability explicitly.

Object-Level Reasoning with Logics Encoded in HOL Light

“…In the 90s, Abramsky, Bellin and Scott developed the proofs-as-processes paradigm [1,2], introducing a correspondence between Classical Linear Logic and the π-calculus [21] and forming a type system for deadlock-free concurrent processes. We have used this paradigm in conjunction with our reasoning framework extensively for the specification and composition of workflow processes using Classical Linear Logic [25], with real-world applications in the modelling of clinical pathways in the healthcare domain [27,24].…”

WorkflowFM: A Logic-Based Framework for Formal Process Specification and Composition

“…These allow users to harness the reasoning power of WorkflowFM and its systematic approach to formal process modelling in an inuitive way and without the need for expertise in logic or theorem proving. WorkflowFM is actively being used to model healthcare processes and patient pathways in collaboration with a number of clinical teams [17,18,2].…”