Bill Klaproth (host): This is the Peds Pod by Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. I'm Bill Klaproth, and with me is Dr. Jason Yaun, clinical director of ULPS General Pediatrics at Le Bonheur, as we discuss a very interesting topic, AI in parenting, relying on AI instead of a pediatrician. Oh my gosh. That time has come.

What's happening? Dr. Yaun, welcome.

Dr. Jason Yaun: Hi, bill. Thanks for having me. I'm happy to be here.

Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, great to talk to you, and this is such an interesting topic. So we're seeing more parents turn to AI tools and symptom checkers for medical advice. So from your perspective as a pediatrician, how common is this becoming, and what do you think of parents asking AI about their children's health?

Dr. Jason Yaun: I think it's becoming really common. I think studies are showing that probably the majority of parents, the majority of patients are. Using this technology, to find out what is going on with their child or to find out more information. And it's an exciting time, but I think it's a little bit of a scary time right now as well.

I don't see many parents admitting to me yet that they've gone on to AI to ask about their child. You know, sometimes you can tell or. Of course we've had Dr. Google and WebMD and all those things around for a while, so we've grown used to that and, we're accustomed to working through some of those things, but I think parents are using it perhaps before visits, after visits at home in the middle of the night.

I don't know that they're admitting to me that they're using it just yet, but I think we know from studies that, most people are using it to identify symptoms or to try to determine how concerned they should be about their child or, just to find out what is the best thing that they should do for their child.

just around parenting or parent education or, things like that as well.

Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, I think you're right. It certainly can be a useful tool and I think it is interesting that parents might feel a little embarrassed to tell you that. Yeah, I checked chat, GPT Doc before coming in. So let's talk about potential benefits to parents using AI for health information.

For example, is it helping them better understand symptoms or prepare questions before they come see you?

Dr. Jason Yaun: Yeah, I think that's a really good use of AI is helping prepare questions, you know, why are people using this? it's a really powerful tool, obviously. it can be very convenient, right? It's available 24 7. it's really quick. You ask it and you get an immediate answer rather than having to wait, for a call back or message back.

and so, it can really help, with some of these, aspects of, parenting when you are worried about your child, when you have some anxiety or you're, frantic about, what might be happening or, you want to be really prepared for a visit or, you went to a visit and you, wanna find out a little bit more about what's going on with your child.

I, think all of those things. Are, potentially good reasons to use ai and certainly very understandable as to why parents, might turn to ai, during these times. and you know, of course, anytime we Google anything at this point, it's gonna give us an AI summary. So it's pretty natural just to sort of take that next step.

AI can be really useful at summarizing information. Making it really, easy and convenient for parents and caregivers to read, kind of maybe take it outta that medical aspect and, put it at their level. so I think there's a lot of reasons, of course, that we're seeing, more and more parents turn to this.

Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, I think that's right. And you said some really good things there. Of course, it's convenient, it's available 24 7. It is really good at summarizing info in an easy to understand, way. Okay. So then on the flip side. What are some of the biggest risks when parents rely on AI instead of seeking medical advice from their pediatrician?

Dr. Jason Yaun: I think this is our big worry as clinicians, right? Because I, don't think we're, there yet with, ai, being the end all, be all, and, AI is not a clinician, right? so I think there's a lot of potential risks and pitfalls. When using ai, it can create a lot of confusion.

I think a lot of times it heightens anxiety, right? it can often present worst case scenarios. it can misinterpret your questions. and I think the most concerning thing is, probably half of what AI spits out, especially around healthcare, may be incorrect or not fully correct. And of course, sometimes it may just hallucinate and make up things, in absence of being able to find something reliable or, or find the correct information.

And so I think there's a lot of potential risks out there with using this, especially as a sole resource. It can be a good starting point. It can help you verify some things, but I think if you're turning to it for all of your healthcare, needs or to determine exactly what to do with your child, there's still problems there.

You know, it can be very biased, against children. a lot of the information is probably more adult related. It can be biased against, people of color and other, underrepresented, populations. And so, I'd really kind of continue to use it in the right way at, this point. and really, try to verify any information that you find with trusted sources, of course, with your pediatrician.

and, I think right now it can be useful as a supplement, but not as a primary resource.

Bill Klaproth (host): I think as well said, Dr. Yaun use it as a supplement but not the primary resource. As you said, it is kind of a big worry or concern in the medical community. It can create confusion, it can deliver worst case scenarios. It may have bias built in, it can hallucinates.

So there are a lot of issues. So then, Dr. Yaun, what is the best way for parents to balance using online or AI tools and then maintaining open communication with their child's doctor?

Dr. Jason Yaun: Right. I would certainly encourage communication with their doctor, you know? Bring that information to a medical visit or send a message, through our patient portal or calling your, child's, doctor's office to maybe verify that information or learn more. so I think it, can be a good starting point and if you find something concerning or you have a question after using that, I think certainly maintaining that open communication with your child's, pediatrician, There's a lot of nuance that goes into taking care of, children, right?

And there's, a lot of uncertainty and, AI doesn't do well with uncertainty. We as humans, we're often uncomfortable with uncertainty, but as physicians, that's something that we are. Accustomed to, and that's why our exam and our knowledge of your child and their symptoms is so important. And a big part of our medical training is, determining which children are truly sick and which children are not sick.

and these things aren't necessarily, things that AI can do are, very good at, at this point. So, you know, the medical home is so important, that idea of longitudinal care, that idea of a relationship with your pediatrician, For many parents that may feel difficult, right? There's a lot of barriers to care, whether that's cost or transportation.

And so turning to AI in those times, has that convenience, but ultimately it doesn't replace your pediatrician. And I think the other benefits of the technological age is that communication with your, healthcare clinician is becoming so much easier as well. And so I think to take advantage of those opportunities.

and we should always be open, to communication and discussion around these things. You know, as doctors, we're educators, and so we want to educate you on your child's condition on normal childhood development. On behavioral issues, all of those types of things. And so that's really why we're there. and so, we wanna be a trusted resource, for parents and caregivers.

And so I think that is, ultimately what it comes down to as far as the importance of having that, medical home and that pediatrician that you trust.

Bill Klaproth (host): So it sounds like you understand that people are gonna use ai, they're just gonna do it, and you're open to them using it and you're not. Upset if they bring you a result. Hey, I found this on ai. It sounds like you're okay with it, as long as they're bringing it to you and saying, here Doc. Here's what I found.

I did some research online. It sounds like you're okay with them bringing that information into you.

Dr. Jason Yaun: Yeah, I think open communication on both sides is the way to go, right? If, they have a concern, we want to hear that. And, there's so much going on in, in a medical visit and often it's a time that can be very worrisome for the child and for the parent.

the better communication we have, the better the outcome, And so we're able to address all your concerns and answer all of those issues during the visit. You're gonna go home much more comfortable and reassured and be in a better position to provide the best care for your child.

Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah. So you said earlier, sometimes parents don't wanna admit that they've used AI or they're embarrassed, or maybe they get a little bit defensive. So as a pediatrician, there are parents listening to this right now. How should they bring this information? Up to you in the conversation, so maybe they don't feel embarrassed or get defensive about it.

Dr. Jason Yaun: Yeah, I think that's just natural. And just being open and, and honest about that and just saying, Hey Doc, I looked this up. I have a concern. You know, we all look things up. So I think that's natural. And so we understand that. and like I said, this has been going on.

We know ever since the internet was invented, right. we know that that's going on and, we encourage it as well and we often point parents to, valuable, trusted resources online as well. So I think as long as we can work together around that, making sure that we're using trusted websites and that we can verify that information and sometimes that can be very useful to us as well too.

Understand the parent's concerns and be able to better understand their questions or maybe even be able to better understand what exactly it is that's going on with their child. So, the more information, the better.

Bill Klaproth (host): So you mentioned, trusted websites, verifying information. How can parents verify whether the health information they get from AI is reliable?

Dr. Jason Yaun: Yeah, I would think. To look at the primary resources that the AI information that is generated is citing. So, is it coming from. Resources like the A a P or Children's Hospital Association or other high level children's hospitals and, medical, societies and things like that. So I would make sure, and maybe even, outside of the ai, chat bot.

Go and do some independent, searches as well with some of those trusted resources. Go to your local children's hospital's website, go to the Le Bonheur website, and often there's a treasure trove of information and resources on those, particularly directed to the topic that you're looking for. Healthy children.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics is one of my favorite resources for parent education.

And if you're specific with a question. They often have a answer detailed exactly to what you're looking for. And so that would be my advice is, to check those resources, maybe look at those independently, and then maybe look at some, of your own that you, trust and rely on as well.

Bill Klaproth (host): Well, I think lab bonard.org is a great place to verify, so thank you for mentioning that. But that's, really some good information as well, Dr. Le Bonheur. So we've been talking about communication a lot, communicating between parents and pediatrician. Uh. How can families build a stronger relationship with their pediatrician so they feel comfortable reaching out even for small questions.

Um, parent, I have two boys, and sometimes you're like, no, I don't, I don't wanna call. maybe I'll just check on, like you said, we've been dealing with Dr. Google for years. you okay with parents reaching out for small things or how can they build more communication with you where they really feel comfortable to call you if they feel something is not right?

Dr. Jason Yaun: Parents are never bothering us. that's why we're there. We're your partner. And so any concerns about your child, those are our concerns as well, It's a partnership, it's a team. And the bottom line is that AI doesn't know your child or your child's history. You know, you know your child best as a child's parent, and we do as their pediatrician, and so.

Working together, we can help to keep your child healthy, safe, make sure they're on the right trajectory. So I think anytime you have those questions, bringing them to us. So a medical visit should be a two-way street. It should be open communication and any concerns, and questions that you have.

We wanna make sure we address those before you leave, It is a lot to do in a short amount of time, but we never want a family to leave. Feeling like all of their concerns weren't addressed. we have an agenda to get through, but we also wanna make sure that we address your agenda and get all the things that you wanted to get out of that visit as well.

So I do think that's why having a medical home and having a regular, reliable source of care. So important. And, we know these days care, continues to get fragmented. but when possible, I think calling your pediatrician's office, messaging us through your patient portal, coming to see us, rather than going to urgent care centers, when appropriate and when available.

And, you know, we have that history with your child and their medical records and, so really we're in the position to provide the best care, and make sure that all those questions are answered.

Bill Klaproth (host): Right. So I just curious, why do you think parents might feel more comfortable turning to AI instead of calling their pediatrician?

Dr. Jason Yaun: So I think anytime we have questions, we might be uncomfortable or feel silly asking those or feel uneducated and, definitely there can be a great power difference between a, physician and a family. And so, you know, I think with communication, those are walls that we need to break down.

And so. just kind of like in school. There's no silly questions. There's no questions that are off the table. There's nothing we haven't heard before and there's, nothing we're uncomfortable with. So, we're happy to be there and, answer those questions and, that's why we're there and that's what we enjoy doing.

some of the best. Moments of our days are guiding parents through difficult situations or uncertain situations, and later being there to celebrate those wins. And the fact that we all got through that together. and that's really why we went into pediatrics and, what brings us joy in that profession.

Bill Klaproth (host): Very well said. Certainly a relationship and a bond can build between you and the child and the family as well, so I love how you said that, Dr. Yaun. So thank you so much for your time. This has really been awesome. Such an interesting topic, and I'm glad that we're discussing AI because as you said, to start us off.

parents are using this, so you might as well get out in front of it. So I'm so glad we're doing this topic. So thank you so much for your time today, Dr. Yaun, before we go though, any final thoughts, or if a parent could take just one message from this conversation, what would that be?

Dr. Jason Yaun: Yeah, this has been really enjoyable. Thank you for having me. I think as a final thought. AI is a good starting place or a good place to educate or verify information, but it doesn't replace your child's pediatrician. You know, AI can't do an exam of your child. They can't listen to your child's breathing or press on their belly or do any of those things, to determine.

is anything concerning going on with your child or not? your pediatrician is gonna know your child the best, and so that's still gonna be your number one source of healthcare information and your place to turn to in times of stress and uncertainty, illness, or any other concerns you have about your child.

Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, very well said, Dr. Y. This has really been awesome. Again, a great topic, and as you said, just a, a little recap. use AI as a starting place, right. It does not replace your pediatrician. And you can kinda use it as a supplement, but make sure you verify and don't feel embarrassed to come into the pediatrician.

Say, Hey, I did look this up and here's the results I got. I just wanted to present it to you. So I, think that's really great advice. Dr. Yaun, thank you so much for your time today. We really appreciate it.

Dr. Jason Yaun: thank you so much for having me. This will be an area that continues to evolve and it'll be exciting to follow over the years, I'm sure. Yeah.

Bill Klaproth (host): Yeah, that is so true. We'll have you back on as all of this evolves again, thank you again, Dr. Young. You bet. And once again, that is Dr. Jason Yaun. And be sure to subscribe to the Petes Pod on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

You can also check out our website, Le Bonheur.org/podcast to view our full podcast library. And if you found this podcast helpful, please share it on your social channels. This is the peds Pod by Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Thanks for listening.