Why It Is Important To Understand Multimodal Large Language Models In Healthcare

The future of medicine is undoubtedly inextricably linked to the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Although this revolution has been brewing for years, the past few months marked a major change, as algorithms finally moved out of the specialized labs and into our daily lives.

The public debut of Large Language Models (LLMs), like ChatGPT which became the fastest-growing consumer application of all time, has been a roaring success. LLMs are machine learning models trained on a vast amount of text data which enables them to understand and generate human-like text based on the patterns and structures they've learned. They differ significantly from prior deep learning methods in scale, capabilities, and potential impact.

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Large language models will soon find their way in to everyday clinical settings, simply because the global shortage of healthcare personnel is becoming dire and AI will lend a hand with tasks that do not require skilled medical professionals. But before this can happen, before we have a sufficiently robust regulatory framework in place we are already seeing how this new technology is being used in everyday life.

To better understand what lies ahead, let’s explore another key concept that will play a significant role in the transformation of medicine: multimodality.

Doctors and nurses are supercomputers, medical AI is a calculator

A multimodal system can process and interpret multiple types of input data, such as text, images, audio, and video, simultaneously. Current medical AIs only process one type of data, for example, text or X-ray images.

However, medicine, by nature, is multimodal as are humans. To diagnose and treat a patient, a healthcare professional listens to the patient, reads their health files, looks at medical images and interprets laboratory results. This is far beyond what any AI is capable of today.

The difference between the two can be likened to the difference between a runner and a pentathlete. A runner excels in one discipline, whereas a pentathlete must excel in multiple disciplines to succeed.

Current Large Language Models (LLMs) are the runners, they are unimodal. Humans in medicine are champions of pentathlon teams.

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At the moment most Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-4 are unimodal, meaning they can only analyze texts. Although GPT-4 has been described as able to analyze images as well, for now it can only do so via its API.

From The Medical Futurist's perspective, it's clear that multimodal LLMs (M-LLMs) will arrive soon otherwise AI won't be able to significantly contribute to the multimodal nature of medicine and care. When they do it will signify the start of an era in which these systems will significantly reduce the workload of – but not replace- human healthcare professionals.

The future is M-LLMs

The development of M-LLMs will have at least three significant consequences:

1. AI will handle multiple types of content, from images to audio

An M-LLM will be able to process and interpret various kinds of content, which is crucial for a comprehensive analysis in medicine. We could list hundreds of examples regarding the benefits of such a system but will mention only a few in the following five categories:

Text analysis: M-LLMs will be capable of handling a vast amount of administrative, clinical, educational and marketing tasks, from updating electronic medical records to solving case studies
Image analysis: another broad area in terms of potential use cases, which spans from reading handwritten notes to analysing radiology (ophthalmology, neurology, pathology, etc.) images
Sound analysis: M-LLMs will eventually become competent in disease monitoring such as checking heart and lung sounds for abnormalities to ensure early detection, but sounds can also provide valuable info in mental health and rehabilitation applications
Video analysis: an advanced algorithm will be able to guide a medical student in virtual reality surgery training regarding how to aim precisely, move, proceed, but videos could also be used to detect neurological conditions or to support patients communicating with sign language.
Complex document analysis: this will include assistance in literature review and research, analysis of medical guidelines for clinical decision-making, and clinical coding among many other forms of use

2. It will break language barriers

These M-LLMs will easily facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages, translating between various languages in real time.

Specialist: “Can you please point to where it hurts?”

M-LLM (Translating for Patient): “¿Puede señalar dónde le duele?”

Patient points to lower abdomen.

M-LLM (Translating for Specialist): “The patient is pointing to the lower abdomen.”

Specialist: “On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain?”

M-LLM (Translating for Patient): “En una escala del 1 al 10, ¿cómo calificaría su dolor?”

Patient: “Es un 8.”

M-LLM (Translating for Specialist): “It is an 8.

3. Finally, the arrival of interoperability can connect and harmonise various hospital systems

An M-LLM could serve as a central hub that facilitates access to various unimodal AIs used in the hospital, such as radiology software, insurance handling software, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), etc. The situation today is as follows:

One company manufactures software for the radiology department which use a certain format of AI in their daily work. Another company's algorithm works with the hospital's electronic medical records, and yet another third-party suplier creates AI to compile insurance reports. However, doctors typically only have access to the system strictly related to their field, for example, a radiologist has access to the radiological AI, but a cardiologist does not. And of course, these algorithms don't communicate with each other. If the cardiology department used an algorithm that analysed heart and lung signs, gastroenterologists or psychiatrists very likely wouldn't have access to it – even though its findings may be useful for their diagnosis as well.

The significant step will be when M-LLMs – eventually – become capable of understanding the language and format of all these software applications and help people communicate with them. An average doctor will then be able to easily work with the radiological AI software, the AI software managing the EMRs, and the fourth, and eighth (etc. ) AI used in the hospital.

This potential is very important because such a breakthrough won’t come about in any other way. No single company will come up with such software because they don't have access to the AI data developed by individual companies. The M-LLM however will be able to communicate with these systems individually and, as a central hub, will provide a tool of immense importance to doctors.

The transition from unimodal to multimodal AI is a necessary step to fully harness the potential of AI in medicine. By developing M-LLMs that can process multiple types of content, break language barriers, and facilitate access to other AI applications, we can revolutionize the way we practice medicine. The journey from being a calculator to matching the supercomputers we call doctors is challenging, but it is a revolution waiting to happen.

The post Why It Is Important To Understand Multimodal Large Language Models In Healthcare appeared first on The Medical Futurist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are holistic medicines' advantages over conventional medicine?

Holistic medicine has been used by many religions and cultures for thousands years. They were based upon ancient knowledge and experienced.

These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. Side effects are less common than with prescription drugs.

They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.

They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.

They could even be used to treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and depression.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of traditional medicines all over the world. Each one has its own unique benefits.

The World Health Organization has estimated that around 80% rely on traditional methods of treating illness and injury.

A reported half-billion people use traditional herbal remedies to get primary healthcare.

The global market for complementary therapies is estimated to reach $22.2 billion by 2020.

People are increasingly looking for alternative medical options to avoid any side effects that may be associated with traditional treatments.

Many people turn to complementary therapies when they do not respond to other treatment options. These complementary therapies can also be used before undergoing surgery or medication.

There are several reasons why people choose complementary therapies:

To improve your quality of life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To relieve pain
To enhance immunity
Supportive services for dealing with serious diseases
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal with chronic conditions

What is the difference in holistic medicine and alternative medicines?

Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.

What's the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals or herbs, amino acid, enzymes or probiotics.

Both types of medicine are used frequently, but many conventional doctors won't recommend them due insufficient evidence or safety concerns.

There isn't consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.

Many CAM practices are based on theories developed over thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.

Many studies show that acupuncture may help relieve pain. Preliminary data also show that acupuncture may help to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may improve symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraines, tension headaches, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Other CAM methods may have therapeutic effects on conditions like HIV/AIDS and diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and rheumatoidarthritis.

Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.

As a result, more and more people are turning to CAM practitioners for relief from common illnesses.

Despite its popularity, many are still confused about what “alternative” and “complementary medicine is.

Statistics

In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What to look for in a qualified holistic doctor?

How can you find a qualified doctor who is skilled in holistic medicine?

Specialists are the best doctors. We are referring to holistic medicine in this instance. Doctors must be able to treat patients holistically. This includes treating the whole person and not just the symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.

The doctor should be able to understand holistic health as well as complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

Holistic practitioners should also be capable of diagnosing your condition and explaining the available treatments to you so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.

It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA is a certification body that offers certifications in many areas of medicine, including naturopathic and acupuncture as well homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbs, and aromatherapy.

You can search our directory for holistic practitioners in your local area. You may be able search online to find a holistic physician near you if there aren't any listed.

Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.

Your local library has books and resources that can help you with holistic health.

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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Why It Is Important To Understand Multimodal Large Language Models In Healthcare
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/why-it-is-important-to-understand-multimodal-large-language-models-in-healthcare
Published Date: Tue, 05 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000