A Perspective from a Case Conference on Comparing the Diagnostic Process: Human Diagnostic Thinking vs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Decision Support Tools.

Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health
Published Date:

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made great contributions to the healthcare industry. However, its effect on medical diagnosis has not been well explored. Here, we examined a trial comparing the thinking process between a computer and a master in diagnosis at a clinical conference in Japan, with a focus on general diagnosis. Consequently, not only was AI unable to exhibit its thinking process, it also failed to include the final diagnosis. The following issues were highlighted: (1) input information to AI could not be weighted in order of importance for diagnosis; (2) AI could not deal with comorbidities (see Hickam's dictum); (3) AI was unable to consider the timeline of the illness (depending on the tool); (4) AI was unable to consider patient context; (5) AI could not obtain input information by themselves. This comparison of the thinking process uncovered a future perspective on the use of diagnostic support tools.

Authors

  • Taku Harada
    Department of General Medicine, Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital, Tokyo 135-8577, Japan.
  • Taro Shimizu
    Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine Dokkyo Medical University Tochigi Japan.
  • Yuki Kaji
    Department of Internal Medicine, Itabashi Chuo Medical Center, Tokyo 174-0051, Japan.
  • Yasuhiro Suyama
    Division of Rheumatology, JR Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo 151-8528, Japan.
  • Tomohiro Matsumoto
    Department of General Medicine, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Tokyo 179-0072, Japan.
  • Chintaro Kosaka
    Department of Internal Medicine, Itabashi Chuo Medical Center, Tokyo 174-0051, Japan.
  • Hidefumi Shimizu
    Department of Respiratory Medicine, JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center, Tokyo 162-8543, Japan.
  • Takatoshi Nei
    Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan.
  • Satoshi Watanuki
    Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.