Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Apr 14, 2025
Date Accepted: Sep 10, 2025
Impact of Digitalization on Pediatric Practice in Spain, Challenges and Opportunities for Childhood Healthcare: A Nationwide Survey Study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Healthcare digitalization and pediatric information communication technology (ICT) has facilitated the use of telemedicine and digital communication tools in pediatric practice, improving accessibility and efficiency. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a promising tool in medicine, with multiple potential applications. However, the rapid adoption of these technologies has raised reliability and ethical concerns.
Objective:
This study aims to examine the level of digitalization in pediatric consultations and explore healthcare professionals (HCPs) perspectives on the use of digital technologies in patient care.
Methods:
An observational, cross-sectional survey was conducted among Spanish HCPs dedicated to pediatric care. Participants completed an 18-question online questionnaire evaluating their use of digital communication tools, perceptions of online health information, and opinions on AI in clinical practice. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences based on age, type of healthcare management, and healthcare facility type.
Results:
A total of 495 pediatric specialists participated. Results showed that digital platforms such as email and WhatsApp® have become widely used, especially among private HCPs. Most respondents believed that parents were increasingly seeking health information online, yet a considerable proportion (34.5%) reported that parents rarely consulted them about reliable sources. Nearly half of the participants (48.5%) proactively recommended trustworthy digital resources, primarily from scientific societies. Regarding AI, 78.6% of respondents were familiar with the concept, and a majority believed that AI could lead to significant improvements. However, ethical concerns were prevalent.
Conclusions:
The survey highlights the increasing use of digital communication tools in pediatric practice, with private-sector HCPs leading adoption. While AI is seen as a promising advancement, ethical dilemmas continue to be a challenge, underscoring the need for further training. Strengthening digital health literacy among both HCPs and parents is essential for optimizing patient care.
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