Criteria for evaluating a computer aid to clinical reasoning

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
• Clinical Decision Support

Background:

• User acceptance of computer aids in clinical reasoning depends on their output quality and alignment with sound clinical judgment.
• Evaluating the 'reasoning' of computer aids is crucial for their effective integration into healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish appropriate criteria for evaluating the clinical reasoning capabilities of computer aids.
• To determine the necessary information for users to act upon computer-generated conclusions.

Main Methods:

• Assessing the accuracy and scope of computer aid conclusions.
• Evaluating the availability of information on alternative conclusions, confidence levels, and potential consequences of incorrect actions.
• Examining the explanation and display capabilities of computer aids to understand their operational processes.

Main Results:

• Effective evaluation requires assessing both the appropriateness of conclusions and the breadth of considerations.
• Users need data on alternative conclusions, confidence metrics, and risks associated with incorrect outputs.
• Explanation and display features are vital for users to scrutinize the aid's reasoning process.

Conclusions:

• Sound clinical judgment in computer aids necessitates evaluating accuracy, scope, and providing comprehensive output information.
• Explanation and display functionalities are key to assessing the soundness of a computer aid's reasoning.
• Thorough evaluation ensures safe and effective use of computer aids in clinical settings.