Uro-Oncogu(AI)s: artificial intelligence to resolve clinical questions in real time

This project aims to improve clinical decisions based on accurate, evidence-based responses in urology. It was developed over 12 months, under the supervision of 70 specialists using a multidisciplinary approach and supported by technological support from the Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón) and the Aragón Engineering Research Institute (I3A).

Seven scientific societies have joined forces to develop the Uro-Oncogu(IA)s project, a pioneering project that puts artificial intelligence (AI) at the service of urology. The presentation took place at the headquarters of the Spanish Urology Association (AEU).

"Today we're not just introducing an artificial intelligence tool, we're celebrating shared intelligence," he said. Carmen González Enguita, president of the AEU.

During his speech, he reflected on the current period of technological transformation, highlighting the arrival of the Internet as "the channel for many other projects" that have boosted access to information and collaborative work. "We are not living in an era of change; we are facing a change of era," he stated, referring to the impact of artificial intelligence in our way of studying, working, communicating and relating as a society.

For its part, José Luis Alvarez-Ossorio, former president of the Spanish Urology Association (AEU) and director of the Governing Board of the Foundation for Research in Urology (FIU), presented this new project as "a turning point in the way artificial intelligence is used and practiced in medicine." During his speech, he recognized the work of those who have made this initiative possible, from the current management team to the participating professionals from various medical and scientific specialties.

He also particularly highlighted the interdisciplinary collaboration who has shaped this tool, with contributions from nuclear medicine, pathological anatomy, radiology, pharmacy, and engineering. "The future of medicine lies in collaboration, in the responsible use of technology, and in the ability to work together," he indicated. In this sense, he emphasized that this project is not only the result of science or technology, but "of the generosity of professionals who have put their talent, time, and enthusiasm at the service of a tool that can change the way we care for our patients."

Fast, accurate, and evidence-based answers

In this context, Uro-Oncogu(IA)s is a chatbot smart that offers fast, accurate, and evidence-based responses updated to resolve any questions that may arise when consulting clinical practice guidelines. In fact, these guidelines have been developed based on the guides from the European Association of Urology (UAE).

The main objective of this project is improve clinical decision-making through an agile, scientifically proven and interoperable tool that allows reducing the time and clinical variability in the approach to urological patients.

This tool has been developed and validated with more than 15.000 question/answer pairs from the clinical, theoretical, and other fields of interest in uro-oncology, utilizing various generative artificial intelligence models. This project was developed over 12 months, under the supervision of 70 specialists using a multidisciplinary approach and with technological support from the Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón) and the Aragón Engineering Research Institute (I3A).

In this context, Ángel Borque Fernando, Head of the Prostate Unit of the Urology Department at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza, was responsible for presenting in depth how this tool was developed, the steps taken, and those that could be taken in the future. "It has been a privilege to pilot a project of such magnitude from the AEU, born with an integrative and multidisciplinary spirit, combining the efforts and knowledge of AI engineers and leaders in the management of urological tumors from different specialties. And all of this, with the selfless purpose of putting an expert tool at the service of the scientific community, to achieve the most efficient and up-to-date management of uro-oncological pathology in real-life clinical practice."

Uro-Oncogu (IA)s has been made possible thanks to the colaboration with the GUARD consortium and the support of the Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH), the Spanish Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SEMNIM), the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) and the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR).

During the presentation, the tool was tested live, with questions asked and responses analyzed.

Source: Medical Gazette