Implementing artificial intelligence and the importance of transparency for patients

In this Contemporary Pediatrics video interview, Paul (PJ) Helmuth, MD, practicing pediatrician, Valley Medical Associates, physician clinical executive, Elsevier, Springfield, Massachusetts, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is being incorporated in various ways throughout the health care space, including in pediatric care.

Helmuth shared insights on the potential of AI in clinical settings and addressed the concerns of pediatricians who may be skeptical about adopting AI tools in their practice.

"We realize that we can't hold back the tide. It's coming into our exam rooms. It's coming into the way that we take care of patients," Helmuth noted. While many health care providers are optimistic about AI’s potential to improve care quality, Helmuth acknowledged that there are concerns about the reliability of AI-driven tools. Pediatricians, like many other health care providers, are cautiously navigating this shift, balancing their own expertise with the new technology.

One application Helmuth discussed is Elsevier’s ClinicalKey AI, which, according to its website, "combines trusted, evidence-based clinical content with conversational search powered by generative AI to support clinicians in delivering high-quality patient care."¹

Helmuth recounted a recent experience with a patient’s mother who had concerns about her child’s inhaler potentially stunting growth. "I said, 'Hey, we've got this AI tool, let’s ask it.' So I turned it around, I asked the question... and it [gave] an answer, and it also gave the references so we could see transparently where that happened," Helmuth said.

This example demonstrates how AI can enhance transparency and support shared decision-making between clinicians and families. “She didn’t want a computer to take care of her child," added Helmuth. "She still wants me to take care of her, but she wants to also know that I’m using the best information available to do that.”

Helmuth highlighted that while AI can streamline tasks such as knowledge retrieval, summarizing medical records, and assisting with diagnosis, its role in pediatrics goes beyond technical functionality. The human aspect of care remains crucial. “You’re not just taking care of the child, you’re taking care of the family,” Helmuth emphasized, pointing out the importance of clear communication and collaboration with families when using AI tools.

As AI continues to evolve, Helmuth envisions its broader integration into clinical workflows, such as aiding with diagnoses or supporting remote monitoring. He concluded, "There’s a whole lot of work being done across lots of different areas within medicine," signaling that AI will likely increasingly play a role in pediatric care while still complementing traditional approaches.

Reference:

World class clinical information meets artificial intelligence. Elsevier. Accessed October 23, 2024. https://www.elsevier.com/products/clinicalkey/clinicalkey-ai?utm_campaign=US_ClinicalKey+AI+Launch2202NA240021NA&utm_source=GO_NA&utm_medium=PS&utm_content=&campid=2202NA240021&dgcid=HS_NA_US_ClinicalKey+AI+Launch_2202NA240021_GO_PS_CS&2202NA240021&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwveK4BhD4ARIsAKy6pMJmFeQkG6NpL4lItWwzbWS4SX2z0eMRNHAvTVkBRz9cHFYLF-dIFM8aAthsEALw_wcB