Fuzzy Logic Intelligent Systems and Methods in Midwifery and Obstetrics

BACKGROUND: Fuzzy logic can be used to model and manipulate imprecise and subjective knowledge imitating the human reasoning. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to analyze research studies pertaining to fuzzy logic and fuzzy intelligent systems applications in midwifery and obstetrics. METHODS: A thorough literature review was performed in four electronic databases (PubMed, APA PsycINFO, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect). Only the papers that discussed fuzzy logic and fuzzy intelligent systems applications in midwifery and obstetrics were considered in this review. Selected papers were critically evaluated as for their relevance and a contextual synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Twentynine papers were included in this systematic review as they met the inclusion and methodological criteria specified in this study. The results suggest that fuzzy logic and fuzzy intelligent systems have been successfully applied in midwifery and obstetrics topics, such as diagnosis, pregnancy risk assessment, fetal monitoring, bladder tumor, etc. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that fuzzy logic is applicable to midwifery and obstetrics domains providing the means for developing affective intelligent systems that can assist human experts in dealing with complex diagnosis and problem solving. However, its full potential is not yet been examined, thus presenting an opportunity for further research.