In healthcare, predictive algorithms are used for which purpose according to the material?

• A. To inform and advise, not make decisions
• B. To replace physicians entirely
• C. To automate all clinical decisions
• D. To remove the need for human oversight

Answer: (A)

Predictive algorithms in healthcare are designed to support clinicians by providing risk estimates and guidance that inform decision-making, not to replace the clinician or automate every choice. They can quickly analyze large amounts of data to flag high-risk patients, suggest potential interventions, or help prioritize care, but the final decisions and accountability still rest with a trained clinician who considers individual context, patient preferences, and ethical implications. Oversight remains essential to address data quality, biases, and unintended consequences. The other options imply full automation or removal of human judgment, which isn’t how these tools are intended to function in practice.