Is this supercomputer too good to be true? A computer in Boston can apparently diagnose patients and even predict how long they have left to live. (via bt)
Is this really useful or really creepy? Apparently a “supercomputer” that can predict when a patient will pass away has been developed in Boston. The machine housed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, uses artificial intelligence to not only map out your fate, but also diagnose conditions before doctors have the chance to. The machine monitors the patient every three minutes to measure and collect data on different variables, like oxygen levels to blood pressure. It will also gather information from their medical history and all the medication they've taken, which are then compared with more than 250,000 people's medical data from the last 30 years.
It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but doctors stand by their claims that the machine gets accurate results: “We can predict with almost a 96% confidence that these patients will have this probability of dying – so, the computer says you’re gonna die, you’re probably going to die in the next 30 days,” said project leader Dr Steven Horng. Not only does it sound eerie, but it also seems like this computer is out to take over jobs. Horng argues this isn't the case. He reassures that the computer is there to help doctors, not to replace them.
This isn't the first time the Boston hospital has used advanced technology to assist them. Back in 2013 Dr. Horny launched a Google Glass pilot program at the medical center in order to access patient information much quicker. He even claims that Google Glass helped saved a patient's life. Someone came into the ER with severe brain bleeding and with the help of Google Glass Dr. Horng was able to scan through the patient's file, see their history, and understand that he needed to change the patient's treatment.
While the computer could be a benefit to doctors, there's still no question that it sounds creepy and a little iffy that it can predict a patient's death. After all, doctors have been doling out death dates for ill stricken patients and have been wrong on several occasions. With something as precious as human life, should we really trust this supercomputer?
C
See more news at: