AI, Online Information and Your Child's Care
Dear Parents,
Today you have access to more health information than ever before. A few clicks can bring up websites, social-media posts, videos and increasingly, answers from Artificial Intelligence (AI) via platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT.
AI is increasingly becoming part of the information parents use while making decisions about their child's care. This can be a good thing.
I encourage parents to use reliable AI tools and trustworthy sources to learn about their child's condition, prepare questions before a consultation and better understand the information discussed afterwards. An informed parent is often better able to participate in their child's care.
AI Can Help You Learn and Ask Better Questions
AI can be useful for understanding medical terms, simplifying complex information and helping you prepare questions to discuss with your child's doctor.
For example, you may use AI to ask:
What does my child's diagnosis mean?
What questions should I ask my child's specialist?
What usually happens before and after a particular operation?
Can you explain this medical term in simple language?
Used this way, AI can be a valuable educational tool.
But AI Cannot Examine Your Child
This is its most important limitation.
AI cannot examine your child, assess their symptoms in person or fully understand all the details of their individual medical condition. It does not have the complete clinical picture that comes from a proper consultation, physical examination and appropriate investigations.
Your child is an individual- not simply a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms.
Two children with apparently similar conditions may require very different approaches to treatment.
Be Careful With Social-Media Medical Advice
Social media can be helpful for awareness, but it can also spread incomplete, misleading or incorrect information.
Be particularly careful about medical advice from influencers or popular online personalities.
Popularity is not the same as expertise!
Consider whether the information comes from a qualified and appropriately trained professional and whether it is genuinely relevant to your child's individual situation.
Using AI Wisely in Your Child's Care
AI and online information should support- not replace- the relationship between parents and their child's doctor.
Use AI to learn. Ask questions. Discuss openly. But make important medical decisions together with your qualified pediatric specialist.
If you find information online or receive an answer from an AI tool that concerns or confuses you, bring it up during your consultation. There is no need to feel embarrassed about asking.
I Welcome Your Questions
As parents, you naturally want to understand everything possible about your child's health. I am always happy to discuss information you have found online or through AI. Open discussion and informed decision-making are an important part of providing the best possible care for your child.
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