Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Care: Unique Considerations and Opportunities
When it comes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, there are many similarities between adult care and pediatrics. However, there are also some unique and important considerations for pediatric settings, given the complexity of health issues in childhood and adolescent care.
Dr. Natalie Pageler, chief health informatics officer at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, highlights the need for provider organizations to understand these distinctions and ensure that AI is utilized appropriately to enhance patient, family, and provider experiences in pediatric settings.
One of the key considerations in pediatric care is the ever-changing nature of children. As they grow and develop, their healthcare needs evolve, requiring providers to engage with the right person at the right time. AI applications powered by natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) play a crucial role in helping providers better understand patient-provider relationships, including interactions with parents and caregivers.
NLP is being used to analyze clinical notes, identify who is communicating through patient portals, and ensure that sensitive information is shared appropriately. LLMs, on the other hand, process large amounts of data to support patient experiences, improve care quality, and streamline administrative tasks.
In pediatric settings, the use of ambient AI and scribe technologies for note-taking during patient-provider interactions presents unique challenges. Unlike adult care, pediatric visits often involve multiple people of varying ages, making it essential to test the effectiveness of ambient AI in dynamic settings. These technologies can capture rich data at the point of care, including behavioral and non-verbal cues that provide valuable insights for providers.
To ensure the successful deployment of AI in pediatric populations, several key considerations must be addressed. Engaging and educating stakeholders, understanding data sets, testing algorithms across different age groups, and identifying the right interventions are crucial steps in leveraging AI effectively in pediatric care.
Overall, AI holds great promise in strengthening connections between patients, families, and providers in pediatric healthcare. By involving pediatricians in the development of AI applications and focusing on personalized care, providers can enhance the patient experience and improve care outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for AI to support early diagnosis, therapeutic development, and clinical decision-making in pediatric care is vast.
In conclusion, the integration of AI in pediatric care represents a significant opportunity to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. By addressing the unique considerations and challenges in pediatric settings, providers can harness the full potential of AI to enhance the quality of care for children and adolescents.
