DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google, claims to have developed an innovative AI system whose application may aid in the early recognition of malady. Such an innovation is a landmark development in medicine through AI technology. There is great hope that some of the most dreadful and challenging medical conditions such as Cancer and Heart Disorders which generally remain unaddressed until the disease has already progressed, may be tackled by this newly developed AI technology.
How It Works
This AI based solution by DeepMind uses advanced algorithms coupled with machine learning that is trained with a massive array of data including medical photographs, clinical notes, and genomic data. Those patterns and abnormalities which human sight seldom detects can be captured meticulously through this data analysis. As a result, the company claims its AI system is capable of diagnosing diseases with unparalleled precision at their earlier stages, thus ensuring the patients have a higher chance of effective treatment and cure.
Such a system has been highlighted by DeepMind’s Chief Scientist Dr. Karen Michaels, “Saves Hands Down with Life.” She explained. “Our system is designed to empower clinicians with useful information so as to act assistance at the earliest and most treatable point in a disease.
Real World Applications
The AI system is undergoing clinical trials in the USA where it has already yielded some success. During one of the studies, the system revealed a detection rate of over 90% in diagnosing lung cancer from CT scans, which is higher than the accuracy of radiologists. A similar trend has also been noted in the detection of other conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and alzheimer’s disease.
The American health practitioners have utter confidence about portions of the technology. As per Dr. James Walker, a senior oncologist at Mayo Clinic, this AI system changes the game as it works on “not only a diagnostic tool but a game-changer for preventive medicine.”
Ethical Issues
In spite of the progress being very exciting, it has raised ethical questions as well. One of the primary concerns is regarding data safety, especially for sensitive health information data. DeepMind has made a promise to ensure that all the data that will be used for the training of AI is anonymized, and securely stored and meets the rigorous HIPAA and U.S. healthcare regulations.
The other problem is the over-reliance on AI in medical settings. Experts warn that these systems should augment – not override – human involvement in the decision making process. A bioethicist at Stanford University, Dr. Sarah Lopez, noted, “AI is an incredibly useful tool, but it’s not perfect. Physicians need to stay at the forefront of patient care.”
Future Prospects
DeepMind is planning to enhance the functional aspects of the AI system to treat more diseases and implement it to a wider range of healthcare systems around the world. Implementing the AI technology is likely to benefit the patients. In the US, DeepMind is also exploring the possibilities of working with research institutions and hospitals to enhance the technology further.
In one way or another, the world is getting digital, and utilizing tools like DeepMind’s AI system can alleviate the burden of patients that are afflicted with illnesses. The evolving healthcare system has the capability to improve the manner in which diseases are treated, making the lives of further patients easier around the globe.
