To Err Is Human, To Diagnose AI?

A new study found that physicians have a surprisingly poor knowledge of the benefits and harms of common medical treatments. And, as Aaron Carroll pointed out, it's not just that they were off, but "it's how off they often were." Anyone out there who still don't think artificial intelligence (AI) is needed in health care? The authors noted that previous studies have found that patients often overestimate benefits as well, but tended to minimize potential harms. Not only do physicians overestimate harm, they "underestimate how often most treatments have no effects on patients -- either harmful or beneficial."