Interactive Decision Trees to Provide Better Patient Care
Pharmacists Association
The Association is a leading advocate for the pharmacy profession, dedicated to advancing the role of pharmacists and improving patient care. It supports pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians by providing education, training, and resources that empower them to excel in diverse healthcare settings.
As a part of their educational mission, they publish books supporting students and pharmacist professionals.
Project overview
The project involved developing interactive decision trees to transform static visual algorithms from printed publications into dynamic, web-based tools for a digital publication site. These Decision Trees present complex decision-making pathways in an engaging, visually appealing format that enhances user experience and supports better patient care. Using specialized third-party software for flowchart and data visualization, each tree was meticulously designed, coded in HTML5, and compiled into zip files. These ready-to-upload packages enabled seamless integration into the client’s digital platform, providing an interactive, modern resource for healthcare professionals.
Our tasks
Developing Decision Trees as a PoC
Creating fully functional, interactive decision trees to demonstrate the feasibility and value of the solution.
Embedding Interactive Diagrams into the Existing Application
Ensuring seamless integration of the interactive decision trees into the client’s existing app.
Building a Tool for Self-Service Decision Tree Creation
Developing a no-code platform that enabled the client’s non-technical users to create and modify decision trees independently.
Objectives
Streamline pharmaceutical processes
Our goal was to streamline pharmaceutical processes by developing a lightweight micro application with interactive decision trees. This tool was intended to replace manual workflows with a modern digital experience, offering users a clear, accessible interface to support faster decision-making.
Enable non-technical users to build their own decision trees in the future
The second phase of the project included building a diagramming tool that would allow non-technical users to build their own decision trees through an intuitive, no-code platform. It required a user-friendly interface that would allow employees to design and modify workflows independently.
Challenges
Replacing static, compound decision trees with interactive diagrams
Originally, the decision trees used by pharmacists to determine the best course of action for patients with specific symptoms were presented in paper manuals or static electronic documents. Each tree involved an average of 20-30 steps, making it difficult for pharmacists to navigate them quickly during customer interactions. The client sought a more dynamic, web-based solution that would simplify decision-making and improve the customer experience.
Embedding diagrams into an existing app
Another key challenge was embedding the new interactive diagrams directly into the client’s existing application. This required seamless integration to ensure a smooth user experience without disrupting current workflows. The diagrams needed to be accessible within the app while maintaining full interactivity, allowing users to explore different decision paths in real-time.
Solutions
Using yFiles to Build a Proof of Concept (PoC) with 15 Diagrams
To address the challenge of replacing static decision trees, we leveraged the yFiles diagramming library to create a Proof of Concept (PoC) consisting of 15 interactive decision trees. Unlike traditional, static representations, these diagrams displayed one step at a time, allowing users to make a selection and seamlessly progress to the next step. Smooth animations highlighted changes on the screen, making it clear which elements were new or updated. This dynamic approach provided a more engaging and intuitive experience for users, enabling faster, more confident decision-making.
Using yFiles to Develop a Diagramming Tool for Future Tree Creation
To empower the client’s non-technical users, we again utilized the yFiles library – this time to develop a custom diagramming tool for creating new decision trees. This tool allowed users to design and modify interactive workflows on their own, without technical support. The yFiles framework enabled intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and ensured that the trees maintained the same smooth animations and interactive features as the original PoC. By providing this self-service capability, the client gained full control over their decision trees, reducing reliance on external development support.
They truly feel like an extension of the team rather than merely a vendor – this was true partnership to create an excellent product.
Results
By implementing dynamic decision trees, pharmacists can provide faster, more accurate guidance to customers through step-by-step, visually clear workflows. The development of a custom diagramming tool empowered non-technical users to create and update decision trees independently, reducing reliance on technical support and enabling faster adjustments to changing business needs. Together, these solutions enhance customer support, increase operational agility, and provide the client with a sustainable, scalable approach to process improvement.
