Sheba Medical Center Unveils AI Platform To Revolutionize Mental Health Care

Sheba Medical Center, in collaboration with ARC Innovation Center and KPMG, is pioneering a breakthrough in mental health care through the development of a Generative AI (GenAI)-based platform. This innovation, utilizing Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, is designed to enhance the workflows of mental health practitioners, aiming to significantly reduce the time to treatment amid a global surge in demand and a shortage in the mental health workforce. The research behind this innovative platform will be unveiled at the upcoming HIMSS 2024 conference.

Named “Liv,” the platform offers an interactive, conversational interface that engages users with both voice and written communication, tailoring the experience to their needs. Utilizing the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and adhering to the highest standards of responsible AI, “Liv” assists professionals in diagnosing and managing conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Preliminary results suggest that practitioners could serve up to five times as many patients, potentially revolutionizing mental health service delivery.

The study, led by Prof. Mark Weiser and Dr. Asaf Caspi of Sheba Medical Center, compared the platform’s diagnostic accuracy to that of experienced psychiatrists, finding it to be highly accurate. Feedback from study participants has also underscored the platform’s effectiveness in engaging users, marking a significant step forward in enhancing patient care and interaction.

“The high global demand for mental health services necessitates solutions that can bridge the gap created by the lack of sufficient, relevant workforce resources,” said Prof. Eyal Zimlichman, Deputy Director-General, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Innovation Officer at Sheba Medical Center.

“We are exploring how Artificial intelligence, and specifically Generative AI, can assist clinicians in treating more users, promoting effective therapy, and improving accessibility to high-quality care. Through our collaboration with KPMG and leveraging Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, we are investigating the potential that Gen AI can provide to what we believe will be a transformative change in healthcare. We anticipate that our research will result in a fully operational platform within a few months once we have thoroughly examined all aspects of its use and established the necessary guard rails.”

“In an era where the human touch is irreplaceably valuable, the research serves as a beacon of hope,” said Iris Shtein, Director of Strategic Partnerships and the initiative’s lead at Sheba. “Our aim is to enhance the capabilities of our health professionals, ensuring that every user feels heard and cared for in a way that was never before possible.”