Clinical Report: A Systematic Review of Pediatric Health Care Chatbots

Overview

This systematic review evaluates the current landscape of pediatric health care chatbots, highlighting their increasing prevalence.

Background

The integration of chatbots in pediatric health care is becoming more common as a means to provide support for children and their caregivers. Pediatric applications must navigate unique developmental considerations and the influence of caregivers on health decisions.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Pediatric health care chatbots are less prevalent than those for adults.
• Chatbots can assist in health education, preventive care, and symptom management for children and caregivers.
• Developmental differences in children necessitate varied chatbot designs.
• Caregivers influence health care decisions for children, impacting chatbot design.
• Current policies emphasize safety and ethical considerations in the deployment of AI in pediatric health care.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider the developmental stages of children when integrating chatbots into pediatric care.

Conclusion

Pediatric health care chatbots require tailored designs to address the unique needs of children and their caregivers.

Related Resources & Content

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11. Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents: Policy Statement | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
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14. Clinical Decision Support Software | FDA
15. Guardrails are needed to prevent the use of these chatbots in some cases, or identify and stop interactions based on risky content and behaviour, and redirect children who disclose risk of harm to support resources. In short, there should be built-in referrals for children who may need professional and/or emergency services. Such AI systems should be subject to child safety laws,67 and any AI system that manipulates or persuades children (unless for lawful practices in the context of medical treatment) must be prohibited – as in the EU.68
16. Statement – Govern AI in health before the gaps become irreversible
17. Evidence and Future Directions for Pediatric Health Care Chatbots: Systematic Review.
18. AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young Adults | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
19. Rule-based chatbot application for adolescents with anxiety: a feasibility study - ScienceDirect
20. A Pilot Study to Evaluate Artificial Intelligence-Driven Early Retrieval of Medical Histories in the Emergency Department - ScienceDirect