Objective:

To systematically characterize PPC health care providers’ attitudes toward and needs for the application of AI in pediatric palliative care.

Approach:

• Study Design: An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used, integrating quantitative data from a cross-sectional questionnaire with qualitative insights from semistructured interviews.
• Participant Selection: Eligible participants included healthcare providers delivering direct patient care within recognized PPC teams in China, with specific experience requirements.
• Data Collection: A questionnaire was distributed to PPC teams, covering demographics, AI usage experience, attitudes, and needs for AI applications in PPC.

Key Findings:

• A total of 352 healthcare providers participated, yielding a response rate of 68.62%.
• Participants expressed varying levels of familiarity and attitudes toward AI applications in PPC.
• There is a recognized need for AI tools that align with the unique challenges and ethical considerations in PPC.

Interpretation:

The findings highlight the necessity for AI tools tailored to the specific context of pediatric palliative care, addressing both clinical and emotional needs.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to PPC teams in mainland China, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
• The reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias in the responses regarding AI familiarity and attitudes.

Conclusion:

The study provides evidence-based insights into the perspectives of PPC healthcare providers on AI applications, which can inform future AI tool development.