The utilization of artificial intelligence by pediatric otolaryngology surgeons in professional practice

Importance

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) within medicine has increased exponentially over the last decade. However, adoption across medical specialties remains variable, influenced by institutional support, availability of tools, and concerns about accuracy, privacy, and legal liability. Addressing these barriers is necessary to achieving the full clinical capacity of AI.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore current AI usage patterns among pediatric otolaryngologists and highlight perceived benefits and barriers to adoption.

Design

Cross-sectional survey design.

Setting

All aspects of the present study were conducted remotely, with the survey link being distributed within a private group chat.

Participants

Participants were recruited via an international pediatric otolaryngology WhatsApp group chat. Admission is through invitation only.

Intervention or Exposures

The survey sought to characterize a variety of themes regarding AI, including utilization patterns, attitudes, motivational factors and barriers to adoption, and extent of institutional support.

Main Outcome Measures

Responses were evaluated using chi-squared tests and descriptive statistics.

Results

Survey responses were analyzed from 50 individuals, reflecting a response rate of 15.2%. More than half of survey respondents (60.9%, n = 28/46) use AI in practice, relying on tools like ChatGPT, iScribe, and Gemini to improve workplace efficiency (71.4%, n = 20/28) and address administrative burdens (64.2%, n = 18/28). Despite current adoption of AI, participants identified a lack of institutional guidelines (66.7%, n = 30/45) and support (54.3%, n = 25/47) as major barriers to widespread integration across the subspecialty. No statistically-significant association was found between age and likelihood of AI adoption (P = .095) nor was between geographic region and likelihood of AI adoption (P = .505).

Conclusions

Pediatric otolaryngologists are interested in and enthusiastic about AI tools. This study highlights prominent institutional and educational gaps, limiting widespread integration.

Relevance

The findings guide future efforts to support AI adoption in pediatric otolaryngology through tailored training, policy, and institutional support.