A recent national study led by Professor Susan Shelmerdine from UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and GOSH, along with Dr. Lauren Lee, a Young Facilitator from the GOSH Young Persons’ Advisory Group (YPAG), has highlighted the views of children and young people on the use of AI in healthcare. Surveying participants aged six to 23 across the UK, the study aimed to understand how young people feel about AI, particularly in radiology.
The findings show that while young people are generally positive about the potential of AI to improve their healthcare, they prefer that these tools be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals. They expressed concerns about AI’s inability to replicate human empathy and ethical decision-making, indicating a stronger trust in human oversight.
Respondents were particularly optimistic about AI’s role in analyzing bone X-rays, emphasizing the importance of accuracy over speed and the need for a trusted doctor to remain in charge. The study’s insights are already being used to develop AI tools at GOSH that aim to improve the detection and description of fractures from X-ray scans.
Professor Shelmerdine noted the importance of considering young people’s perspectives, stating, “We cannot assume that we know what children want. It was encouraging to see their positive attitude towards AI, but crucial to understand their emphasis on human oversight.”
Dr. Lauren Lee, co-lead of the study, emphasized the value of including young voices in the discussion on AI in healthcare, saying, “It has been great to be able to give young people a voice in this space.”
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is a significant step in integrating young patients’ views into the development of AI tools in healthcare.