Google launches generative AI search for doctors

Google Cloud has unveiled advanced AI-driven search capabilities designed to assist healthcare professionals in efficiently extracting accurate clinical information from diverse medical records. This new search tool addresses the challenge of scattered healthcare data across multiple systems and formats, providing a unified platform for doctors to access information from clinical notes, scanned documents, and electronic health records in one place. The company anticipates that these capabilities will save significant time and energy for healthcare workers and enhance their ability to find answers quickly and prevent frustration.

For example, doctors can now use specific queries such as "What medications have this patient taken in the last 12 months?" to obtain relevant information without the need to sift through separate notes, faxes, and electronic health records. The search functionalities extend beyond patient history, offering applications like applying accurate billing codes and determining patient eligibility for clinical trials.

The technology ensures the credibility of information by citing and linking to the sources, easing concerns about the AI providing hallucinated or inaccurate responses. These search features are particularly beneficial for healthcare workers dealing with staffing shortages and extensive administrative tasks, as highlighted by a 2016 study funded by the American Medical Association, which revealed that physicians spent two additional hours on administrative work for every hour spent with a patient.

Google aims to alleviate the workload of clinicians by applying its search technologies and healthcare capabilities through the Vertex AI Search platform, specifically tailored for health and life sciences organizations. The offering builds upon Google's existing Healthcare API and Healthcare Data Engine products. Aashima Gupta, Global Director of Healthcare Strategy and Solutions at Google Cloud, emphasizes the integration of Vertex AI Search capabilities into clinicians' workflows, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Recognizing the historically cautious approach of the healthcare industry toward adopting new technology, Google is careful to avoid introducing solutions that may be distracting or challenging for healthcare workers. The company has been attentive to preserving existing workflows while enhancing them with the power of AI technology.

Early access to Vertex AI Search for healthcare and life sciences is open for sign-ups. Google Cloud is already conducting tests with healthcare organizations such as Mayo Clinic, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Highmark Health. While the Mayo Clinic initially focuses on administrative use cases, there is cautious optimism about the potential transformative impact of the search tools in healthcare settings. The reaction from organizations like Highmark Health has been positive, with an influx of more than 200 use-case ideas. However, the challenge lies in prioritizing and deploying the technology at scale.

Google Cloud assures the privacy and security of patient data, stating compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Aashima Gupta expresses excitement about the potential for clinicians to use Google's new tools to create a more comprehensive picture in a healthcare system that has traditionally felt fragmented and challenging for patients. She sees AI as a valuable tool in connecting the dots from the patient's perspective, making healthcare more practical and helpful in real-world situations.