Artificial intelligence tool development: what clinicians need to know?

Abstract

Digital medicine and smart healthcare will not be realised without the cognizant participation of clinicians. Artificial intelligence (AI) today primarily involves computers or machines designed to simulate aspects of human intelligence using mathematically designed neural networks, although early AI systems relied on a variety of non-neural network techniques. With the increased complexity of the neural layers, deep machine learning (ML) can self-learn and augment many human tasks that require decision-making on the basis of multiple sources of data. Clinicians are important stakeholders in the use of AI and ML tools. The review questions are as follows: What is the typical process of AI tool development in the full cycle? What are the important concepts and technical aspects of each step? This review synthesises a targeted literature review and reports and summarises online structured materials to present a succinct explanation of the whole development process of AI tools. The development of AI tools in healthcare involves a series of cyclical processes: (1) identifying clinical problems suitable for AI solutions, (2) forming project teams or collaborating with experts, (3) organising and curating relevant data, (4) establishing robust physical and virtual infrastructure, and computer systems’ architecture that support subsequent stages, (5) exploring AI neural networks on open access platforms before making a new decision, (6) validating AI/ML models, (7) registration, (8) clinical deployment and continuous performance monitoring and (9) improving the AI ecosystem ensures its adaptability to evolving clinical needs. A sound understanding of this would help clinicians appreciate the development of AI tools and engage in codesigning, evaluating and monitoring the tools. This would facilitate broader use and closer regulation of AI/ML tools in healthcare settings.