Model science and modelling informatics for a model identity card/certificate (MIC) in radiology and surgery.

Abstract

Purpose: A model identity card/certificate (MIC) aims at enhancing trustworthiness in systems that purport to provide intelligent responses to human questions and actions. It should serve those individuals who have a professional need for or who want to feel more comfortable, when writing about or interacting with intelligent machines. The general and/or specific domain models on which recommendations, decisions or actions of these systems are based, reflect in their MIC the level of model relevance, truthfulness and transparency.

Methods: In the specific context of CARS, methods and tools for building models and their corresponding templates for a MIC in the domains of radiology and surgery should be drawn from relevant elements of a model science, specifically from mathematical modelling methods (e.g. for model truthfulness) and modelling informatics tools (e.g. for model transparency). Modelling methods for radiology and surgery may be drawn from applied mathematics, mathematical logic and/or syntax graph based text. Examples of supporting tools from modelling informatics are UML, MIMMS, model-based software engineering or model-based medical evidence.

Results: For a Model Guided Precision Medicine as defined by SPIE MI 2025, a precise protocol relating to the origins of these models need to be reflected in the corresponding MIC templates for specific medical domains, for example, in radiology or surgery. An example of a MIC template (work-in-progress) in the domain of orthopaedic surgery serves to demonstrate some aspects of model relevance, truthfulness and transparency.

Conclusion: Gaining trustworthiness in intelligent systems based on models and related AI tools is a challenging undertaking and raises many critical questions, specifically those related to ascertain model relevance, truthfulness and transparency. The healthcare system, in particular, will have to be concerned about the availability of digital identity certificates for these systems and related artefacts, e.g. digital twins, avatars, robots, intelligent agents, etc. Further development of the elements of a model science with emphasis on modelling informatics may be the right path to take, preferably in cooperation with international R&D groups interested in the realisation of an MGM and corresponding MICs.