🖥️For Developers

As we continue to enhance VOXRAD's capabilities, it's important to understand two key concepts in AI-assisted software development: Agents and Function/Tool Calling. Both of these technologies can significantly expand VOXRAD's functionality, either independently or in combination.

What are Agents?

Agents are AI systems designed to perform tasks or achieve goals autonomously. They can:

• Interact with their environment (in our case, the VOXRAD application and associated systems)

• Make decisions based on their programming and available information

• Learn and adapt over time

• Perform complex, multi-step tasks

In the context of VOXRAD, an agent could be thought of as an AI assistant that can perform a series of actions to complete a larger task.

What is Function/Tool Calling?

Function/Tool Calling is a capability of some Large Language Models (LLMs) that allows them to:

• Recognize when a specific function or tool is needed to complete a task

• Call that function or tool with appropriate parameters

• Interpret and use the results of the function call

This enables the LLM to extend its capabilities beyond its training data, accessing external tools and data sources as needed.

How Agents and Function/Tool Calling Can Work Together

Agents can use Function/Tool Calling as part of their decision-making and task-execution processes. This combination allows for powerful, flexible AI systems that can handle complex, multi-step tasks while also accessing specialized tools and external data sources.

Here are some case scenarios where these features could be beneficial:

1. Template Management

• Dynamic Template Fetching: Implement a function to automatically select and retrieve the most appropriate template based on the content of a transcript.

• Template Learning: Create a function that analyzes differences between draft and final reports to dynamically update templates, aligning them with user preferences over time.

• Natural Language Template Search: Allow users to find specific templates using conversational queries.

2. Transcription Enhancement

• Medical Terminology Integration: Develop a function to automatically insert or correct specialized medical terms and abbreviations in the transcription.

• Report Formatting: Create a function that formats the transcription according to specific medical report standards or institutional guidelines.

3. Medical Database Integration

• Guideline Retrieval: Implement functions to query external medical databases or custom knowledge bases for relevant management guidelines based on the report's content.

• Automated Staging and Risk Assessment: Create a function to suggest appropriate staging (e.g., TNM classification) or risk assessments (e.g., LI-RADS, BI-RADS) based on the transcribed findings.

4. Report Analysis and Quality Assurance

• Completeness Check: Develop functions to analyze reports for comprehensiveness, suggesting additional sections or commonly overlooked normal findings if needed.

• Longitudinal Comparison: Create a function to automatically compare the current report with a patient's previous reports, highlighting significant changes or trends.

5. AI-Assisted Diagnosis

• Differential Diagnosis Suggestion: Implement a function that analyzes report content and suggests possible differential diagnoses and recommendations for further investigation.

• Image Analysis Integration: Develop tools that can process and analyze associated medical images, correlating findings with the dictated report.

6. Multimodal Input Processing

• Data Integration: Create functions to process and integrate information from various sources (e.g., lab results, pathology reports) alongside the audio transcription, providing a more comprehensive report.

7. Voice Command Integration

• Application Control: Develop functions that allow users to control VOXRAD using voice commands, enhancing hands-free operation in clinical settings.

8. Collaboration Features

• Secure Sharing: Implement functions for securely sharing reports with other healthcare professionals, integrating with hospital information systems or secure messaging platforms.

9. Customized Report Generation

• Audience-Specific Reports: Create functions that can generate different versions of a report tailored for various audiences (e.g., patients, referring physicians, insurance companies) while maintaining the core medical information.

These are potential scenarios where developers can leverage the capabilities of Function Tool Calling to add powerful, context-aware features to VOXRAD, enhancing its utility for radiologists and improving the overall workflow.