Artificial neural networks provide a powerful tool to help doctors analyse, model and make sense of complex clinical data across a broad range of medical applications. Their potential in clinical medicine is reflected in the diversity of topics covered in this volume. In addition to looking at applications the book looks forward to exciting future prospects. A section on theory looks at approaches to validate and refine the results generated by artificial neural networks. The volume also recognizes that concerns exist about the use of 'black-box' systems as decision aids in medicine, and the final chapter considers the ethical and legal conundrums arising out of their use for diagnostic or treatment decisions. Taken together, this eclectic collection of chapters provides an exciting overview of harnessing the power of artificial neural networks in the investigation and treatment of disease.
