Children and young individuals generally have a positive outlook towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, believing it should be integrated into modern healthcare systems.
A survey conducted by UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) revealed that children and young people hold a favorable view of AI and its potential role in healthcare.
A national study conducted among children and young people aged six to 23 years from all four UK nations sought their opinions on the incorporation of AI to enhance healthcare services.
The research was headed by Professor Susan Shelmerdine (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and GOSH) and Dr Lauren Lee, a Young Facilitator from the GOSH Young Persons’ Advisory Group (YPAG) — a group collaborating with GOSH to ensure the representation of young people’s perspectives.
The deployment of AI in modern healthcare, particularly in radiology for scan analysis, is on the rise. While the radiology community, including children’s radiologists, generally supports the use of AI, little attention has been paid to the views of children and young adults regarding the utilization of AI for their imaging data.
The survey, developed in collaboration with a steering committee comprising patients, carers from the GOSH YPAG, and GOSH parents and Carer Advisory Group (PCAG), demonstrated that children and young people demonstrate a level of caution but overall positivity towards AI.
According to the survey results, young individuals are eager for AI to contribute to healthcare, especially if it enhances their care and outcomes. However, they prefer AI tools to be overseen by healthcare professionals, as they feel elements like empathy and ethical decision-making, crucial in care, cannot be replicated by AI. When given a choice between a human and a computer, they lean towards trusting the human.
Regarding radiology inquiries, respondents believed that AI could accurately detect issues in bone X-rays. They prioritized accuracy over speed in receiving results and emphasized the importance of having a trusted doctor overseeing their care even when AI is utilized.
The findings of the study are already influencing research at GOSH, focusing on the enhancement of AI tools for better fracture detection in children across the UK using a vast dataset of X-ray scans. The online survey targeted schools, universities, and charity partners, urging children and young adults to participate over a one-year period.
Lead researcher, Professor Susan Shelmerdine (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and GOSH), and her team aim to develop AI tools capable of generating reports directly from radiology images and allowing patients to pose questions about their imaging to AI.
Professor Shelmerdine stated: “The number of trained children’s radiologists in the UK is limited. Tools such as AI could assist in upskilling our workforce to provide more equitable care for patients who may not have access to specialist hospitals like GOSH.
“However, we should not assume what children want. While children and young people showed positivity towards AI in healthcare, understanding their preferences, such as human oversight, is crucial for developing new tools and treatments.”
Co-lead researcher and Young Facilitator, Dr. Lauren Lee from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, commented: “There is an ongoing dialogue on how AI can enhance healthcare services. This study, for the first time, probed the younger generation’s perceptions as we grow alongside AI innovations.
“Empowering young individuals to voice their opinions in this realm has been a significant step forward.”
