Has AI come of age?
I have started testing a new AI engine for healthcare professionals called Glass Health with MS-related case scenarios. This one covers male erectile dysfunction. What do you think?
I am currently en route home from a very enjoyable break where I tried to avoid work. Hence my inactivity over the last 12 days.
You know that I am a big fan of the potential of AI (artificial intelligence) to transform the practice of medicine and usher in the era of high-quality self-diagnosis and self-management. I recently subscribed to the pro version of a new AI engine for HCPs (healthcare professionals) called Glass Health and have started testing it with MS-related case scenarios. The following deals with the issue of male erectile dysfunction, which is a very common problem in men with MS.
Case study
A 36-year-old man with a history of multiple sclerosis presents with erectile dysfunction.
Glass AI 1.0 opinion
A 36-year-old man with a history of multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with erectile dysfunction. Given his age and the presence of MS, it is highly likely that his erectile dysfunction is related to his underlying neurological condition. MS can cause damage to nerves responsible for erections, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. Other potential causes of erectile dysfunction in this patient include psychological factors, medications, vascular issues, or hormonal imbalances; however, these are less likely given his medical history.
Recommended diagnostic work-up
- Neurological examination
- Blood tests: Complete blood count, fasting glucose, lipid profile, testosterone levels
- Urinalysis
- Nocturnal penile tumescence testing
- Penile Doppler ultrasound
Treatment plan
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil)
- Vacuum erection devices
- Intracavernosal injections (e.g., alprostadil)
- Intraurethral suppositories (e.g., alprostadil)
- Consider referral to a urologist or sexual medicine specialist for further evaluation and management if conservative measures fail
Feedback
Is the advice detailed enough for you? Can it replace MS-Selfie? Am I redundant? I would appreciate your feedback. In particular, do you trust the advice of Glass Health, a first-generation AI chatbot for HCPs, over something I wrote?
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General Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed here are those of Professor Giovannoni and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry nor Barts Health NHS Trust. The advice is intended as general and should not be interpreted as personal clinical advice. If you have problems, please tell your own healthcare professional, who will be able to help you.
The Bot has told me nothing I couldn’t have gleaned from a bit of Googling……obvious.
What it can’t do is pick up little tells, nor recall a particular conversation about a 'weird' thing that Dr A came across with a patient 20 years ago that may apply here…..
Use as an aid, by all means.
Humans are fallible, yes, but computers are not 'gods' (yet)
No need to be concerned Gavin, you are far from redundant! I personally would always prefer the human interaction of a 1:1 appointment with a specialist. A good specialist knows what to ask and has knowledge and experience to help in ways AI just couldn’t. The advice about the 36yr old misses the psychological aspect of having erectile dysfunction (not necessarily as a cause). What type of dysfunction is it - primary or secondary? The most important step is to have good communication with his partner. AI seems to have missed this out. Jane ☺️