What is Vithoulkas Compass

Vithoulkas Compass is a next generation expert system which is designed to effectively support practitioners of classical homeopathy in deciding which remedy to prescribe to their patients. It incorporates several features and tools that make the practice of homeopathy  not only easier and more successful, but also a constant learning experience. The expert system closely emulates the thinking process of a master homeopath in several ways.

The analysis of thousands of real cases and guidance by Professor George Vithoulkas have resulted in a performance which is clearly above anything previously available. VC is a web-based application which can be accessed from a variety of web-capable devices, with no need for any software download or installation. It is a live system whose performance and features will be constantly improving, based upon user experience and ongoing research into the complex nature of homeopathy.

VC development

VC promises to make a difference in the practice of homeopathy because it is based on confirmed findings and important information about remedies, symptoms and succesful prescribing, coming from the analysis of thousands of cases, many of which had never been used  in previous models. A team of mathematicians and homeopaths, under the guidance of George Vithoulkas, exhaustively analysed the rules of homeopathic prescribing and the criteria for the selection of a specific remedy. They also studied the workflow patterns of typical prescribing sessions and the questions an expert homeopath asks the patient  in the process of determining the correct remedy.

Development of the mathematical core of the expert system started in 2009 , after detailed study of the effectiveness of existing homeopathy software. The decision was then taken to design and implement an online software with accuracy and maximum level of decision support for the homeopath as clear priorities.

The development of VC took more than 3 years of intensive study and application of advanced mathematical models. During the development process state-of-the-art mathematical software tools were used to assist in building the expert system. The software team implemented a large number of successive prototypes which were evaluated using statistical data from real cases.  These results were reviewed by George Vithoulkas and other experienced homeopaths.

The repertory of VC was developed in parallel with the mathematical engine. It is based on Kent's repertory and includes additions and corrections by George Vithoulkas as well as selected rubrics by classic authors. The goal for the repertory was to enrich it based on confirmed experience of experienced homeopaths, always making sure that it keeps its coherence and grading consistancy. 

In the development of VC all important decisions about its design and operation were made with maximum performance, confirmation of all data using real world cases and usage efficiency as the top priorities.
The end result is a system which not only proposes the correct remedy for each case with remarkable accuracy, but one which then guides the homeopath through the process of verification of candidate remedies and provides the tools and information for a prescription with confidence.

Using VC

When using VC, the practitioner can be confident he or she is being supported, by the most sophisticated and effective software for homeopathy. But  in contrast with  its unique performance, which is based on a complex mathematical model, the VC user interface has been designed to be simple, intuitive and foolproof.  Usage of VC can be mastered in a matter of minutes. It is a tool and it is meant to be as easily accessible as possible. And it includes a number of functions that will make the life of the user easier and more productive.

Main features

• Advanced expert system based on groundbreaking research in homeopathic prescribing
• Differential analysis mode guides the practitioner in asking questions to confirm remedies
• Confirmed repertory, constantly being updated
• Explanation of the remedy choice by the expert system
• Online materia medicas and other remedy information 
• Totally web-based. No installation, multi-platform (ipad and tablet interface will be optimised shortly)
• Simple, intuitive graphical user interface
• Case histories are anonymously stored online and are accessible from anywhere, anytime
• Send and Receive Case functionality between users
• Export Case functionality to file, for printing or storing case data 
• Future payment scheme for VC will be pay-as-you-work at a modest cost. 
• Live system operated by a capable organisation supporting it and constantly developing and improving it

Present status - First results

At present VC is being used by beta users, who have given remarkably positive feedback about its effectiveness in everyday practice.

There have been several cases of practitioners who, with the help of VC, quickly found the correct remedies in cases which previously had seemed unsolvable, and cleared them. The unique performance, ease of use, the usefulness of supporting tools and the confidence that VC provides to the prescriber, have been universal comments. 

Professor George Vithoulkas also routinely uses the system. Some of his comments have been:

"The VC team has delivered an excelent product. The performance of VC has significantly surpassed my expectations"

"Using VC is practically like having me at your side. The accuracy of  VC is remarkable."

"An extremely useful tool for all levels of practicing homeopaths. VC will make a difference!"

The VC team is constantly monitoring the correct operation of VC and periodicaly updates the repertory and the user interface, while the team of VC homeopaths and George Vithoulkas constantly monitor and finetune the expert system.

VC is available for free, for beta testing, to seriously interested homeopaths who can also provide feedback about its operation. 

Eventually it will be available as a charged service at a modest cost.

For more information and to apply for a beta account please visit www.vithoulkascompass.com