Mayo Clinic adopts Google Cloud's generative AI app builder

Photo: Google

Mayo Clinic is partnering with Google Cloud for generative AI, starting with a Gen App Builder in clinical workflows.

The Enterprise Search in Generative AI App Builder will make it easier for clinicians and researchers to find information to help improve patient outcomes, Google Cloud said in Tuesday's announcement. The Gen App Builder supports HIPAA compliance.

WHY THIS MATTERS

AI has the ability to scan lots of data to identify patterns to enable greater efficiencies. Generative AI takes that ability a step further in analyzing data in more sophisticated ways. Information can be condensed and images can be created, among other uses.

Generative AI is able to unify data from various sources, in different formats and locations, such as from medical records, research papers and clinical guidelines. This aids clinicians in definitions of conditions, diagnoses and treatment options. 

Enterprise Search in Gen App Builder unifies data across dispersed documents, databases, and intranets, making it easier to search, analyze, and identify the most relevant results. 

Mayo Clinic is an early adopter of Google Cloud's Gen App Builder. It is exploring how the combination of Google-quality search with generative AI can bring information to doctors, clinicians and other employees in a conversational way, Google Cloud said.

"Our prioritization of patient safety, privacy, and ethical considerations, means that generative AI can have a significant and positive impact on how we work and deliver healthcare," said Cris Ross, Mayo Clinic's chief information officer. "Google Cloud's tools have the potential to unlock sources of information that typically aren't searchable in a conventional manner, or are difficult to access or interpret, from a patient's complex medical history to their imaging, genomics, and labs. Accessing insights more quickly and easily could drive more cures, create more connections with patients, and transform healthcare."

The news builds on Mayo Clinic's previous work with Google Cloud in digital transformation, including programs that leverage analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

"This is an exciting step between a cutting-edge health system and a premier technology platform to collaborate on leading edge use cases for generative AI in healthcare. I expect that it will be a seminal step toward a future in which we see technology delivering a more personalized, patient-centered, and cost-effective model for care delivery," said Dr. Scott Cullen, chief clinical officer and executive vice president for strategic innovation for AVIA, which has launched its own AI Collaborative. Cullen said that, while Mayo and Google are obviously both powerhouses, and their thinking will be influential, their blueprint may not work more broadly for the entire industry. 

THE LARGER TREND

Google Cloud said it is collaborating with several healthcare organizations.

Its generative AI tools like Gen App Builder and Generative AI support in Vertex AI, can help healthcare organizations optimize workforce productivity, streamline administrative processes, and leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks, allowing caregivers to focus on higher-value patient interactions, Google Cloud said.

Google Cloud said its approach to data governance and privacy policies ensures its customers retain control over their data. In healthcare settings, access and use of patient data is protected through the implementation of Google Cloud's infrastructure and secure data storage.

Customers can review model responses for biased or unvalidated content, teaching the model to avoid inappropriate outputs.

ON THE RECORD

"Generative AI has the potential to transform healthcare by enhancing human interactions and automating operations like never before," said Thomas Kurian, Google Cloud CEO.
 

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org