Google 's goal , according to the BBC, is to limit the amount of controversial and unreliable medical information circulating on the Internet, which is often misleading.
Google has launched a new feature on its popular search engine so that, when users search for medical advice on a health issue that concerns them, a series of relevant information and recommendations that are vetted by doctors and have greater credibility will appear at the top of the answers.
Google's aim, according to the BBC, is to limit the amount of controversial and unreliable medical information circulating on the Internet, which often misinforms - or even scares - people. Health searches are one of the hottest areas on the Internet. One in 20 searches on Google's search engine is about medical issues.
As stated by a Google executive, a team of doctors from the well-known American Mayo Clinic helped the company gather and classify the appropriate information on the causes, symptoms and treatments of various common diseases.
The company did, however, make it clear that the search results “should not be considered medical advice,” given that medical cases vary from person to person and that there are several exceptions to each disease. In short, Dr. Google cannot and should not replace a regular doctor. However, it can better prepare a patient for what to ask their doctor or what to expect from him.
Initially, the new feature will be available in English to Google users in the US, but more languages, more countries, and more (rare) conditions will gradually be covered.
Google has been increasingly interested in healthcare lately. Last year, it revealed that it was funding the development of an innovative cancer and potential heart attack detector using nanoparticles in the blood. It has also acquired the maker of a “smart” spoon for patients with Parkinson’s disease who have shaky hands. It is also working on creating “smart” contact lenses for diabetics, and has invested in the start-up 23andMe, which sells genetic tests to the general public.
Source: AMPE
