“Intelligent algorithms” are actively used in healthcare in Moscow. Dozens of digital services in the capital are currently using it.
Moreover, since last January in Moscow, the analysis of CT and X-ray images using artificial intelligence has been included in the mandatory health insurance program. The capital was the first in the country to introduce a special tariff for analyzing radiological studies using neural networks.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the Botkin.AI digital service is not being used in the capital's clinics. It was tested only in the Tula region, where its use has been suspended for the time being. This is because they sometimes make errors in diagnosing diseases when processing some X-ray reports.
Experts explain that this system can also be applied in various private clinics.
What is meant is the smart Botkin.AI algorithm that was developed to diagnose diseases in images based on the results of radiological studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and mammography. The government agency for monitoring citizens' health considered that this algorithm could "cause harm to patients' health," and explained that it was examining the company that manufactured the algorithm.
How can mistakes be avoided when using artificial intelligence in medicine?
As Igor Pivovarov, chief analyst at the Center for Artificial Intelligence at the Moscow Institute of Technical Physics, said, even the most “intelligent” algorithm cannot be compared with the capabilities of a competent doctor.
He explained, "It is not for nothing that they say that medicine is an art. A good doctor relies on his intuition and other skills that he has developed over many years of experience. Therefore, I believe that artificial intelligence will never be able to take on the role of a doctor."
However, artificial intelligence can be an excellent assistant to the doctor, Pivovarov emphasizes. At the same time, in order to create highly accurate and efficient digital services, they must be trained on a very large amount of high-quality medical data. In practice, two doctors, for example, may interpret a single X-ray image differently. But the artificial intelligence is trained on the images that doctors create. The expert explained that in reality he faces contradictory choices.
However, it depends on doctors, AI trainers and competent procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of ready-made digital services.
"Robotic cats" to provide distinguished services in Moscow hospitals
Some hospitals in Moscow have begun testing new robots that help provide services to doctors and patients.
Regarding the topic, Moscow Deputy Governor Anastasia Rakova said: “We have begun testing new robots in 3 hospitals in the city. These robots will provide assistance to doctors, patients, and visitors to medical facilities. We called these robots (robot cats) because of their external appearance, as they were equipped with screens that resemble the faces of cats.” ".
She added: “Robots have begun to provide services to patients and doctors. They can provide many services, such as delivering food and medical supplies, and accompanying patients inside hospitals to the elevator or rest rooms, for example, and along the way the robot will provide useful advice on topics of maintaining health, etc. These robots also welcome hospital staff and help them focus on performing their medical duties.”
Rakova pointed out that the new robots are completely safe for use in hospitals, as they are equipped with advanced software and cameras that help them move around, and to benefit from the robot’s services, it is enough just to click on its screen, then select the type of service required, then click on the “Start” option, and after completing the task it returns. The robot automatically returns to its primary workplace to receive new orders and instructions about patients who need assistance within the hospital.
Duration: 10 minutes. Doctors succeed in identifying a treatment for loss of sense of smell and taste!
Rakova explained that the robots are still in the testing stages, and if they pass the required tests, their use will be expanded to additional hospitals in Moscow.