The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pediatrics from Treating Illnesses to Managing Children's Overall Well-Being

Recent technological advances have facilitated the creation of new application and management models for expanding knowledge across various domains, including the medical field. This new landscape has necessitated the evolution of medicine through the development of organizational, methodologic, and technological changes, collectively referred to as precision medicine. These changes emphasize the need for a highly dynamic, adaptable, and personalized innovative approach to healthcare delivery, accessible anytime and anywhere. The realization of this global transformation has been particularly enabled by the significant expansion of information and communication technologies. The emergence of mobile, nano-, bio-, and molecular technologies; the development of robotics and bioinformatics; the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) methods, including intelligent processing of clinical data and big data cloud computing; predictive analytics; the creation of neural networks, with cognitive and psychosocial models; cyber-physical systems; and the “internet of things” are all critical elements driving the current phase of healthcare transformation. Among these elements, AI has undoubtedly emerged as one of the most transformative technologies since the early 20th century, serving as a key driver in what has been termed the “knowledge society.”7 The application of AI has the potential to reshape interpersonal and professional interactions across all sectors. One area in which AI is having a particularly significant impact is in healthcare, especially in the field of pediatrics. This commentary, authored by members of the Social Pediatrics working group of the European Pediatric Association, Union of National Pediatric Societies and Associations, briefly outlines the fundamental elements that characterize precision medicine in pediatrics and the role of artificial intelligence in pediatric medicine, emphasizing its potential importance in the clinical management of children. Our aim is to raise further pediatricians' awareness of these practices in clinical management and to promote a conscious and proper use of these new technological opportunities to support a desirable transition from merely treating illnesses to managing children's overall well-being