Co-designing diagnosis: Towards a responsible integration of Machine Learning decision-support systems in medical diagnostics

Olya Kudina*, Bas de Boer

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    22 Citations (Scopus)
    155 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Rationale: This paper aims to show how the focus on eradicating bias from Machine Learning decision-support systems in medical diagnosis diverts attention from the hermeneutic nature of medical decision-making and the productive role of bias. We want to show how an introduction of Machine Learning systems alters the diagnostic process. Reviewing the negative conception of bias and incorporating the mediating role of Machine Learning systems in the medical diagnosis are essential for an encompassing, critical and informed medical decision-making. Methods: This paper presents a philosophical analysis, employing the conceptual frameworks of hermeneutics and technological mediation, while drawing on the case of Machine Learning algorithms assisting doctors in diagnosis. This paper unravels the non-neutral role of algorithms in the doctor's decision-making and points to the dialogical nature of interaction not only with the patients but also with the technologies that co-shape the diagnosis. Findings: Following the hermeneutical model of medical diagnosis, we review the notion of bias to show how it is an inalienable and productive part of diagnosis. We show how Machine Learning biases join the human ones to actively shape the diagnostic process, simultaneously expanding and narrowing medical attention, highlighting certain aspects, while disclosing others, thus mediating medical perceptions and actions. Based on that, we demonstrate how doctors can take Machine Learning systems on board for an enhanced medical diagnosis, while being aware of their non-neutral role. Conclusions: We show that Machine Learning systems join doctors and patients in co-designing a triad of medical diagnosis. We highlight that it is imperative to examine the hermeneutic role of the Machine Learning systems. Additionally, we suggest including not only the patient, but also colleagues to ensure an encompassing diagnostic process, to respect its inherently hermeneutic nature and to work productively with the existing human and machine biases.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)529-536
    Number of pages8
    JournalJournal of evaluation in clinical practice
    Volume27
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

    Keywords

    • hermeneutics
    • Machine Learning
    • medical diagnosis
    • technological mediation

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Co-designing diagnosis: Towards a responsible integration of Machine Learning decision-support systems in medical diagnostics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this