The science of teaching computers to learn on their own without being programmed to perform specific tasks. Machine learning incorporates artificial intelligence and big data so computers can synthesize information and draw informed conclusions.
Machine learning in health care is becoming used more widely, helping clinicians make diagnoses. For example, machine learning programs can review imaging scans or electronic record data to identify patterns or help identify abnormalities that need addressing. It also can be used to help personalize treatment for patients, using a person’s characteristics and accumulated data from other similar patients to suggest methods of treatment for cancer or other conditions.