Diagnosis in the Era of Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief

The National Academies Forum on Advancing Diagnostic Excellence hosted a public workshop in July 2024 to explore the opportunities and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health technologies to improve diagnostic processes and outcomes. Speakers highlighted the role of these technologies throughout the diagnostic process and their impact on the patient experience, including to gain understanding of a patient’s onset of symptoms, to improve information gathering and patient-clinician communication, and to support clinical decision making. Discussions also emphasized the importance of ensuring these technologies do not perpetuate existing health disparities.

Sigall Bell, MD, associate professor at Harvard Medical School, contributed in the workshop by highlighting the transformative role of open notes in improving patient safety and diagnostic excellence. Bell emphasized that open notes address common challenges, such as the tendency for patients to forget or misinterpret 40–80% of healthcare information shared during stressful encounters. Open notes allow patients to review clinical details, confirm their accuracy, and align with clinicians on goals, fostering trust and communication. Bell also introduced OurDX, a tool to streamline patient input prior to the visit, suggesting that integrating AI with such tools could further personalize care. Keep reading.