1 AI & me: perceptions of AI in medicine amongst children and young people

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Recent research has identified exponential interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its application to medicine. Perceptions of AI are less clear, notably amongst children and young people. This exploratory study investigates attitudes towards AI and its future applications in healthcare. <h3>Method</h3> Members of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children’s (GOSH), Young Persons Advisory Group for research (YPAG) were invited to contribute to an exploratory workshop on AI lasting one hour. Quantitative polling of comfort with a series of AI-driven and autonomous design scenarios were scored anonymously on a 10-point Likert scale. Mechanisms for effectively engaging with patients and families on the potential for AI with healthcare professionals were then discussed. <h3>Results</h3> 21 YPAG members aged between 10 and 21 years participated. Sensor technology to reduce overcrowding (M 7.4, SD 2.7), cleaning robots (M 7.9, SD 2.4), virtual reality visits (M 6.5, SD 2.8) and 3D printed organs (M 6.2, SD 3.5) were the most accepted scenarios, whilst AI-powered nurses the least (M 2.4, SD 2.3). Educational workshops with practical examples that use AI to help, but not replace humans were suggested to address common worries, build trust and to effectively communicate about AI. Human-centredness, empathy and safety are important when introducing AI to healthcare, one participant quoting: ‘YPAG members are keen to be involved, for our perspective and ideas, especially as AI is our future.’ <h3>Conclusion</h3> Whilst policy guidelines now acknowledge the need to include children and young people to develop AI, this ignores the complex needs of patients. This requires creating an enabling environment for human-centred AI that involves children and young people with lived experiences of healthcare. Future research will build consensus on enablers for an intelligent healthcare system designed for the next generation. We believe that consortiums like YPAG are well placed to achieve this goal.

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