IBM’s Watson is now studying PTSD in veterans

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is working with IBM to analyze hundreds of thousands of VA hospital medical records using the Watson cognitive computing system. Improving the diagnosis and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is among the areas on which the partnership will focus. More broadly, though, the VA system might be the ideal place to explore what Watson and other artificial intelligence technologies can do. They have the potential to improve patient care without blowing up tight budgets, by improving speed and efficiency rather than increasing staff count.