How AI is Shaping Pediatric Healthcare – What School Psychologists Need to Know

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, are rapidly becoming a source of information for parents seeking advice about their children’s health. While AI’s potential in healthcare is exciting, it raises important questions for professionals who work with children, including school psychologists. A recent study in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology explored the role of ChatGPT in influencing parental decision-making on common pediatric issues like sleep, diet, and medication. The results may surprise you, and they have significant implications for school psychologists and their work with students and families.

 Key Findings from the Study

 Parents Trust AI for Health Information: 

The study found that when AI-generated content is supervised by experts, parents perceive it as trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. In fact, for over-the-counter medication advice, ChatGPT was rated as more trustworthy and accurate than human experts.

AI Influences Parental Decision-Making: 

Both ChatGPT and human experts successfully changed parents' reported behavioral intentions regarding the use of over-the-counter medications, infant sleep training, and promoting a balanced diet. AI was just as effective as human experts in guiding these decisions.

 Expert Supervision is Critical: 

While ChatGPT has the ability to provide health advice, the study emphasizes the importance of expert oversight. Without it, ChatGPT may produce “hallucinations,” or incorrect information, which can be misleading and potentially dangerous. For example, unsupervised outputs from ChatGPT initially included factually incorrect statements regarding infant sleep training.

 Minimal Differences in Perceived Expertise: 

When comparing AI-generated content to human experts, parents saw little difference in terms of expertise. They viewed both sources as equally competent in providing guidance on their children’s healthcare.

What This Means for School Psychologists

Be Aware of AI's Growing Role:

AI tools are becoming more integrated into healthcare, with parents turning to them for guidance. School psychologists should be aware of this.

Support Critical Thinking in Parents:

Parents may trust AI-generated information more than human advice. School psychologists can help parents critically evaluate this information.

 AI as a Supplement, not a Replacement:

AI can provide helpful information, but it should not replace professional healthcare advice. School psychologists can guide parents to use AI as a quick reference, while consulting real-world experts for complex issues.

Impact on Student Well-being:

AI-driven parenting decisions can affect children’s physical health, cognitive performance, and emotional regulation. School psychologists should be alert to these influences and provide necessary support.

 Ethical Considerations:

Ethical concerns about privacy and accuracy arise with AI use. School psychologists should advocate for safe, ethical AI use, ensuring families understand the risks of relying on AI-generated content for sensitive issues.

 Limitations of AI in Healthcare Advice

 Accuracy is Not Guaranteed:

Without expert supervision, AI can provide inaccurate or incomplete information, posing risks in healthcare decisions.

 Digital Literacy and Access:

Not all parents have the skills or access to evaluate AI content. School psychologists should support families in navigating these challenges, especially in underserved communities.

 AI’s Role in Mental Health:

AI is increasingly being used for mental health advice. School psychologists should ensure that parents know how to access information is safe, accurate, and follows best practices in mental health care.

 Conclusion

 AI tools like ChatGPT are influencing parental decisions about children’s health. School psychologists must recognize AI's impact and guide parents toward making informed, safe decisions. While AI offers valuable support, professional supervision is crucial to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the information provided.

 If you’re interested in learning more about how AI is influencing child healthcare and what this means for school psychologists, check out the source article or listen to the 7-minute audio podcast for a quick summary!