# Test Rule Engine Documentation ## Overview The CLQMS Rule Engine evaluates business rules that inspect orders, patients, and tests, then executes actions when the compiled condition matches. Rules are authored using a domain specific language stored in `ruledef.ConditionExpr`. Before the platform executes any rule, the DSL must be compiled into JSON and stored in `ConditionExprCompiled`, and each rule must be linked to the tests it should influence via `testrule`. ### Execution Flow 1. Write or edit the DSL in `ConditionExpr`. 2. POST the expression to `POST /api/rule/compile` to validate syntax and produce compiled JSON. 3. Save the compiled payload into `ConditionExprCompiled` and persist the rule in `ruledef`. 4. Link the rule to one or more tests through `testrule.TestSiteID` (rules only run for linked tests). 5. When the configured event fires (`test_created` or `result_updated`), the engine evaluates `ConditionExprCompiled` and runs the resulting `then` or `else` actions. > **Note:** The rule engine currently fires only for `test_created` and `result_updated`. Other event codes can exist in the database but are not triggered by the application unless additional `RuleEngineService::run(...)` calls are added. ## Event Triggers | Event Code | Status | Trigger Point | |------------|--------|----------------| | `test_created` | Active | Fired after a new test row is persisted; the handler calls `RuleEngineService::run('test_created', ...)` to evaluate test-scoped rules | | `result_updated` | Active | Fired whenever a test result is saved or updated so result-dependent rules run immediately | Other event codes remain in the database for future workflows, but only `test_created` and `result_updated` are executed by the current application flow. ## Rule Structure ``` Rule ├── Event Trigger (when to run) ├── Conditions (when to match) └── Actions (what to do) ``` The DSL expression lives in `ConditionExpr`. The compile endpoint (`/api/rule/compile`) renders the lifeblood of execution, producing `conditionExpr`, `valueExpr`, `then`, and `else` nodes that the engine consumes at runtime. ## Syntax Guide ### Basic Format ``` if(condition; then-action; else-action) ``` ### Logical Operators - Use `&&` for AND (all sub-conditions must match). - Use `||` for OR (any matching branch satisfies the rule). - Surround mixed logic with parentheses for clarity and precedence. ### Multi-Action Syntax Actions within any branch are separated by `:` and evaluated in order. Every `then` and `else` branch must end with an action; use `nothing` when no further work is required. ``` if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5):test_insert('HBA1C'); nothing) ``` ### Multiple Rules Create each rule as its own `ruledef` row; do not chain expressions with commas. The `testrule` table manages rule-to-test mappings, so multiple rules can attach to the same test. Example: 1. Insert `RULE_MALE_RESULT` and `RULE_SENIOR_COMMENT` in `ruledef`. 2. Add two `testrule` rows linking each rule to the appropriate `TestSiteID`. Each rule compiles and runs independently when its trigger fires and the test is linked. ## Available Functions ### Conditions | Function | Description | Example | |----------|-------------|---------| | `sex('M'|'F')` | Match patient sex | `sex('M')` | | `priority('R'|'S'|'U')` | Match order priority | `priority('S')` | | `age > 18` | Numeric age comparisons (`>`, `<`, `>=`, `<=`) | `age >= 18 && age <= 65` | | `requested('CODE')` | Check whether the order already requested a test (queries `patres`) | `requested('GLU')` | ### Logical Operators | Operator | Meaning | Example | |----------|---------|---------| | `&&` | AND (all truthy) | `sex('M') && age > 40` | | `||` | OR (any truthy) | `sex('M') || age > 65` | | `()` | Group expressions | `(sex('M') && age > 40) || priority('S')` | ## Actions | Action | Description | Example | |--------|-------------|---------| | `result_set(value)` | (deprecated) Write to `patres.Result` for the current context test | `result_set(0.5)` | | `result_set('CODE', value)` | Target a specific test by `TestSiteCode`, allowing multiple tests to be updated in one rule | `result_set('tesA', 0.5)` | | `test_insert('CODE')` | Insert a test row by `TestSiteCode` if it doesn’t already exist for the order | `test_insert('HBA1C')` | | `test_delete('CODE')` | Remove a previously requested test from the current order when the rule deems it unnecessary | `test_delete('INS')` | | `comment_insert('text')` | Insert an order comment (`ordercom`) describing priority or clinical guidance | `comment_insert('Male patient - review')` | | `nothing` | Explicit no-op to terminate an action chain | `nothing` | > **Note:** `set_priority()` was removed. Use `comment_insert()` for priority notes without altering billing. ## Runtime Requirements 1. **Compiled expression required:** Rules without `ConditionExprCompiled` are ignored (see `RuleEngineService::run`). 2. **Order context:** `context.order.InternalOID` must exist for any action that writes to `patres` or `ordercom`. 3. **TestSiteID:** `result_set()` needs `testSiteID` (either provided in context or from `order.TestSiteID`). When you provide a `TestSiteCode` as the first argument (`result_set('tesA', value)`), the engine resolves that code before writing the result. `test_insert()` resolves a `TestSiteID` via the `TestSiteCode` in `TestDefSiteModel`, and `test_delete()` removes the matching `TestSiteID` rows when needed. 4. **Requested check:** `requested('CODE')` inspects `patres` rows for the same `OrderID` and `TestSiteCode`. ## Examples ``` if(sex('M'); result_set('tesA', 0.5):result_set('tesB', 1.2); result_set('tesA', 0.6):result_set('tesB', 1.0)) ``` Sets both `tesA`/`tesB` results together per branch. ``` if(requested('GLU'); test_insert('HBA1C'):test_insert('INS'); nothing) ``` Adds new tests when glucose is already requested. ``` if(sex('M') && age > 40; result_set(1.2); result_set(1.0)) ``` ``` if((sex('M') && age > 40) || (sex('F') && age > 50); result_set(1.5); result_set(1.0)) ``` ``` if(priority('S'); result_set('URGENT'):test_insert('STAT_TEST'); result_set('NORMAL')) ``` ``` if(sex('M') && age > 40; result_set(1.5):test_insert('EXTRA_TEST'):comment_insert('Male over 40'); nothing) ``` ``` if(sex('F') && (age >= 18 && age <= 50) && priority('S'); result_set('HIGH_PRIO'):comment_insert('Female stat 18-50'); result_set('NORMAL')) ``` ``` if(requested('GLU'); test_delete('INS'):comment_insert('Duplicate insulin request removed'); nothing) ``` ## API Endpoints All endpoints live under `/api/rule` and accept JSON. Responses use the standard `{ status, message, data }` envelope. ### List Rules ```http GET /api/rule?EventCode=test_created&TestSiteID=12&search=glucose ``` Query Params: - `EventCode` (optional) filter by event code. - `TestSiteID` (optional) filter rules linked to a test site. - `search` (optional) partial match against `RuleName`. Response: ```json { "status": "success", "message": "fetch success", "data": [ { "RuleID": 1, "RuleCode": "RULE_001", "RuleName": "Sex-based result", "EventCode": "test_created", "ConditionExpr": "if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5); result_set(0.6))", "ConditionExprCompiled": "{...}" } ] } ``` ### Get Rule ```http GET /api/rule/1 ``` Response includes `linkedTests`: ```json { "status": "success", "message": "fetch success", "data": { "RuleID": 1, "RuleCode": "RULE_001", "RuleName": "Sex-based result", "EventCode": "test_created", "ConditionExpr": "if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5); result_set(0.6))", "ConditionExprCompiled": "{...}", "linkedTests": [1, 2] } } ``` ### Create Rule ```http POST /api/rule Content-Type: application/json { "RuleCode": "RULE_001", "RuleName": "Sex-based result", "EventCode": "test_created", "ConditionExpr": "if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5); result_set(0.6))", "ConditionExprCompiled": "", "TestSiteIDs": [1, 2] } ``` Response: ```json { "status": "success", "message": "Rule created successfully", "data": { "RuleID": 1 } } ``` ### Update Rule ```http PATCH /api/rule/1 Content-Type: application/json { "RuleName": "Sex-based result v2", "ConditionExpr": "if(sex('M'); result_set(0.7); result_set(0.6))", "ConditionExprCompiled": "", "TestSiteIDs": [1, 3] } ``` Response: ```json { "status": "success", "message": "Rule updated successfully", "data": { "RuleID": 1 } } ``` ### Delete Rule ```http DELETE /api/rule/1 ``` Response: ```json { "status": "success", "message": "Rule deleted successfully", "data": { "RuleID": 1 } } ``` ### Compile DSL Validates the DSL and returns a compiled JSON structure that should be persisted in `ConditionExprCompiled`. ```http POST /api/rule/compile Content-Type: application/json { "expr": "if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5); result_set(0.6))" } ``` Response: ```json { "status": "success", "data": { "raw": "if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5); result_set(0.6))", "compiled": { "conditionExpr": "sex('M')", "then": ["result_set(0.5)"], "else": ["result_set(0.6)"] }, "conditionExprCompiled": "{...}" } } ``` ### Evaluate Expression (Validation) This endpoint evaluates an expression against a runtime context. It does not compile DSL or persist the result. ```http POST /api/rule/validate Content-Type: application/json { "expr": "order[\"Age\"] > 18", "context": { "order": { "Age": 25 } } } ``` Response: ```json { "status": "success", "data": { "valid": true, "result": true } } ``` ## Database Schema ### Tables - **ruledef** – stores rule metadata, raw DSL, and compiled JSON. - **testrule** – mapping table that links rules to tests via `TestSiteID`. - **ruleaction** – deprecated. Actions are now embedded in `ConditionExprCompiled`. ### Key Columns | Column | Table | Description | |--------|-------|-------------| | `EventCode` | ruledef | The trigger event (typically `test_created` or `result_updated`). | | `ConditionExpr` | ruledef | Raw DSL expression (semicolon syntax). | | `ConditionExprCompiled` | ruledef | JSON payload consumed at runtime (`then`, `else`, etc.). | | `ActionType` / `ActionParams` | ruleaction | Deprecated; actions live in compiled JSON now. | ## Best Practices 1. Always run `POST /api/rule/compile` before persisting a rule so `ConditionExprCompiled` exists. 2. Link each rule to the relevant tests via `testrule.TestSiteID`—rules are scoped to linked tests. 3. Use multi-action (`:`) to bundle several actions in a single branch; finish the branch with `nothing` if no further work is needed. 4. Prefer `comment_insert()` over the removed `set_priority()` action when documenting priority decisions. 5. Group complex boolean logic with parentheses for clarity when mixing `&&` and `||`. 6. Use `requested('CODE')` responsibly; it performs a database lookup on `patres` so avoid invoking it in high-frequency loops without reason. ## Migration Guide ### Syntax Changes (v2.0) The DSL moved from ternary (`condition ? action : action`) to semicolon syntax. Existing rules must be migrated via the provided script. | Old Syntax | New Syntax | |------------|------------| | `if(condition ? action : action)` | `if(condition; action; action)` | #### Migration Examples ``` # BEFORE if(sex('M') ? result_set(0.5) : result_set(0.6)) # AFTER if(sex('M'); result_set(0.5); result_set(0.6)) ``` ``` # BEFORE if(sex('F') ? set_priority('S') : nothing) # AFTER if(sex('F'); comment_insert('Female patient - review priority'); nothing) ``` #### Migration Process Run the migration which: 1. Converts ternary syntax to semicolon syntax. 2. Recompiles every expression into JSON so the engine consumes `ConditionExprCompiled` directly. 3. Eliminates reliance on the `ruleaction` table. ```bash php spark migrate ``` ## Troubleshooting ### Rule Not Executing 1. Ensure the rule has a compiled payload (`ConditionExprCompiled`). 2. Confirm the rule is linked to the relevant `TestSiteID` in `testrule`. 3. Verify the `EventCode` matches the currently triggered event (`test_created` or `result_updated`). 4. Check that `EndDate IS NULL` for both `ruledef` and `testrule` (soft deletes disable execution). 5. Use `/api/rule/compile` to validate the DSL and view errors. ### Invalid Expression 1. POST the expression to `/api/rule/compile` to get a detailed compilation error. 2. If using `/api/rule/validate`, supply the expected `context` payload; the endpoint simply evaluates the expression without saving it. ### Runtime Errors - `RESULT_SET requires context.order.InternalOID` or `testSiteID`: include those fields in the context passed to `RuleEngineService::run()`. - `TEST_INSERT` failures mean the provided `TestSiteCode` does not exist or the rule attempted to insert a duplicate test; check `testdefsite` and existing `patres` rows. - `COMMENT_INSERT requires comment`: ensure the action provides text.