AI in Pediatrics – Its Significance as a Clinical Decision Support Tool

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into pediatrics can revolutionize healthcare through innovative diagnostic methods, treatment planning, and customized clinical decision support. In pediatric specialty cases, ChatGPT displayed differing levels of accuracy. For example, the model received a grade of C for misdiagnosing congenital heart disease, cardiogenic shock, urinary tract infections, and bullous impetigo as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, septic shock, acute pyelonephritis, and Epidermolysis bullosa, respectively. These results emphasize both the model's strengths and areas needing improvement.

When achieving an A grade, ChatGPT excelled in delivering comprehensive information, including – diagnosis, differential diagnosis, causes, complications, investigations, and treatment strategies. However, there was evident room for improvement in scenarios where responses were merely acceptable. The inaccuracies likely stem from the complexities and nuances of these conditions, as well as overlapping symptoms that make the diagnoses challenging. Further training on specific medical scenarios is necessary to enhance the model's accuracy.

ChatGPT's potential as a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) in pediatrics lies in its ability to provide detailed information across various scenarios, making it a valuable tool for clinicians seeking additional insights. Nevertheless, the identified inaccuracies in critical situations highlight the need for caution when using ChatGPT for clinical decision support. While it can serve as a valuable supplementary resource, it should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

ChatGPT is yet to be a substitute for standard textbooks and guidelines and should be used cautiously. Evaluating ChatGPT's performance in pediatric scenarios revealed varying proficiency levels, highlighting the necessity for ongoing refinement and collaboration with experienced pediatricians to ensure reliable decision support. While ChatGPT offers valuable insights and assistance, its reliance on preexisting data and lack of real-time updates warrant cautious use in the medico-legal context.

Source: Andykarayalar R, Surapaneni KM. Indian Pediatrics. 2024 Mar 7:S097475591600610-.