Artificial neural networks and medical education

Abstract

The transformations that medical practice has undergone in recent years – especially with the incorporation of new information technologies – point to the need to broaden discussions on the teaching-learning process in medical education. The use of new computer technologies in medical education has shown many advantages in the process of acquiring skills in problem solving, which encourages creativity, critical thinking, curiosity and scientific spirit. In this context, it is important to highlight artificial neural networks (ANN) – computer systems with a mathematical structure inspired by the human brain – which proved to be useful in the evaluation process and the acquisition of knowledge among medical students. The purpose of this communication is to review aspects of the application of ANN in medical education.