Researchers in the Chinese mainland are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance evidence-based medicine into a new digital era known as i-EBM. This innovative approach integrates multi-source data, intelligent analysis, and individualized decision support to make medical evidence more dynamic, precise, and efficient.
Ge Long, professor at the School of Public Health of Lanzhou University and leader of the study, explains: “As a new modern medical paradigm, i-EBM features three dimensions – multi-source data integration, intelligent evidence analysis, and individualized decision support.”
Published recently in Chinese Science Bulletin, the study highlights how AI accelerates the traditional EBM workflow. Tasks that once took months—such as literature screening and evidence updates—can now be completed in hours or even minutes. By using AI tools like knowledge graphs, i-EBM builds deep connections across scientific research, clinical records, medical images, and real-world data.
In practice, EBM faces challenges like time lags, isolated data, and limited personalization. i-EBM addresses these gaps by creating a unified digital intelligence foundation that combines high-quality research evidence, biomedical knowledge systems, and multimodal real-world inputs. The result? Standardized yet adaptable treatment plans that support clinicians in making more informed decisions.
The research team has already rolled out digital products, including a medication guide for Chinese patent medicine, and is collaborating with medical institutions to apply i-EBM in treating childhood pneumonia. By constructing a multimodal database of imaging, lab results, and clinical data, they aim to deliver more scientific diagnosis and treatment plans.
“The era of AI is coming. We will further our i-EBM research to support the improvement of medical standards and promote equal access to care, improving health and well-being worldwide,” Ge says.
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Chinese researchers inject AI power to evidence-based medicine
cgtn.com
