Algorithms are able to deliver results in a fraction of a second and can be used cost-effectively anywhere in the world. In other words, they greatly benefit the overall healthcare system. "The bottom line for patients is simplified processes, quicker personalized care and more time with the attending physician," Güttler sums up the extra benefits of AI solutions for patients.
Having said that, machine learning will not replace us humans in the near future. That's because Artificial Intelligence is still man-made, relies on and is only as good as the quality of data it is trained with. What's more, medical professionals still have a difficult time understanding how AI actually makes an assessment. Right now, decision-making is basically seen as a kind of black box. Meanwhile, the algorithm should have a capacity for self-criticism and be able to express uncertainty and indicate unanswered questions. After all, this is the level of transparency that we expect from human experts and that ultimately builds trust. Researchers are already working on making machine learning more explainable, thus allowing humans to be able to control, correct and improve it. A machine must not be allowed to make a definite diagnosis by itself. "Simply put, I think when it comes to the patient's welfare, diagnostic and treatment decisions will always be in the hands of human beings," Felix Güttler feels confident. Ivo Driesser agrees and adds, "Humans will always have the last word. Software assistants are only a physician's companion."