Google on Tuesday announced new healthcare updates to Search, including an AI-powered feature that helps users compare their health experiences with others.
AI-Powered Health Insights
The company introduced “What People Suggest”, a tool that uses AI to compile online commentary from patients with similar conditions. For instance, someone with arthritis can now explore how others manage exercise routines. The feature is currently available on mobile devices in the U.S., Google said.
Google has also expanded its knowledge panels—the information boxes appearing next to search results—to cover thousands more health topics. These panels are rolling out in multiple languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Portuguese, initially on mobile devices.
Google’s AI in Healthcare
The tech giant has a history of healthcare projects, but its strategy has seen several shifts. Google Health, established in 2018 with over 500 employees, was dissolved in 2021. However, Google insists that its commitment to healthcare remains strong.
“With extraordinary advances in AI, we have an opportunity to reimagine the entire health experience,” said Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Google’s chief health officer, at a Tuesday event in New York.
Improving AI Overviews and Healthcare AI
Google’s AI Overviews, introduced last year to summarize search queries, have now been optimized for health-related searches like “How do I know if I have the flu?” However, concerns remain. A December report from The Senior List found that 70% of AI-generated health answers in Google searches were deemed risky by medical experts.
To address accuracy concerns, Google has integrated advancements from its Gemini models into AI Overviews, enhancing responses for health topics.
New AI Tools for Medical Research
Additionally, Google’s healthcare AI initiatives include:
- MedLM: A suite of AI models designed to assist clinicians and researchers in summarizing doctor-patient interactions and analyzing medical studies.
- Vertex AI Search for Healthcare: A tool that allows healthcare organizations to build applications that help clinicians and patients quickly access critical health information.
While AI is revolutionizing health search experiences, Google continues refining its approach to ensure accuracy and user trust.
