Technology Today

Machine learning experts working at Google Health have published a new study in tandem with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) computational health sciences department that describes a machine learning model the researchers built that can anticipate normal physician drug prescribing patterns, using a patient electronic health records (EHR) as input.
That useful because around 2% of patients who end up hospitalized are affected by preventable mistakes in medication prescriptions, some instances of which can even lead to death.The researchers describe the system as working in a similar manner to automated, machine learning-based fraud detection tools that are commonly used by credit card companies to alert customers of possible fraudulent transactions: They essentially build a baseline of what normal consumer behavior based on past transactions, and then alert your bank fraud department or freeze access when they detect a behavior that is not in line with an individual baseline behavior.Similarly, the model trained by Google and UCSF worked by identifying any prescriptions that &looked abnormal for the patient and their current situation.& That a much more challenging proposition in the case of prescription drugs versus consumer activity — because courses of medication, their interactions with one another and the specific needs, sensitivities and conditions of any given patient all present an incredibly complex web to untangle.To make it possible, the researchers used electronic health records from de-identified patients that include vital signs, lab results, prior medications and medical procedures, as well as diagnoses and changes over time.
They paired this historical data with current state information, and came up with various models to attempt to output an accurate prediction of a course of prescription for a given patient.Their best-performing model was accurate ''three quarters of the time,& Google says, which means that it matched up with what a physician actually decided to prescribe in a large majority of cases.
It was also even more accurate (93%) in terms of predicting at least one medication that would fall within a top 10 list of a physician most likely medicine choices for a patient — even if its top choice didn''t match the doctor&s.The researchers are quick to note that though the model thus far has been fairly accurate in predicting a normal course of prescription, that doesn''t mean it able to successfully detect deviations from that with any high degree of accuracy.
Still, it a good first step upon which to build that kind of flagging system.





Unlimited Portal Access + Monthly Magazine - 12 issues


Contribute US to Start Broadcasting - It's Voluntary!


ADVERTISE


Merchandise (Peace Series)

 


Tech professional warns 'never state yes' to 3 questions from callers you don't recognise


Millions of Brits 'forced to function as online security guards' for elderly family members


Leading Tech: Virgin Media's totally free television giveaway ends quickly as 48-hour countdown begins


All Amazon Prime users put on high alert - you need to follow 4 new rules today


Amazon gives you 3 reasons to ditch your Fire TV Stick and try something new this week


Apple fans rush for 22% off AirPods Pro 2 as Amazon Prime Day kicks off


Paramount+ drops to £3.99 in half price sale ending this week


Amazon is handing out free Echo speakers this week and here's how to get yours


AI is the 'best organization partner' says youngest self-made female billionaire


Everyone using Amazon issued with an urgent 'don't click' warning this week


Sky is dishing out free TV channel upgrades, and here's how to watch it


Apple fans rushing for ₤ 35 iPhone 16 Pro Max as Sky uses payday deal


'I visited Chinese city which is like sci-fi movie with robots and noiseless trains'


Top Tech: Amazon's best early Prime Day deals including Ring, Tefal and Nespresso


Brits now 'obsessed' with health tracking and say it's key to motivation


Virgin Media is distributing complimentary wise TVs in surprise seven-day sale


O2 confirms UK network switch off and the exact date your phone might quit working


Samsung and Google have a new Android competitor that's like Nothing you've seen before


'Spectacular' Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra gets £10 a month price cut


Sky users given 48-hour cost alert and your costs could increase tomorrow


Never ever miss your favourite television series when on vacation with basic travel hack


Amazon may offer big reason to ditch your Fire TV Stick next week and try something new


Samsung and Google smartphone deals consist of free earbuds and smartwatches


Everyone using Google Chrome must restart their browser now - don't ignore new alert


iPhone users surprised after finding 'concealed' hack to organise home screen


Sky dishes out brand-new iPhone 16 at 'lowest ever' rate, not surprising that it's offering fast


Argos shoppers can get a free 40-inch Hisense TV by doing one thing