What is the place for digital health and AI in pediatric primary care? A call to action from the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians (ECPCP)

Digitalization and technological breakthroughs have transformed pediatric medical services via integrated digital health systems, encompassing telemedicine, teleconsultation, and artificial intelligence applications. This article examines the potential and current status of digital health (DH) and artificial intelligence (AI) in pediatric primary care (PPC), as well as their impact on clinical practice, patient outcomes, and healthcare delivery. In pediatric populations, digital health technologies—including wearable devices, electronic health records (EHRs), and mobile health applications—have significantly improved care coordination, health education, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine facilitates mental health assessments and the management of chronic illnesses, increasing accessibility and convenience. AI applications demonstrate potential in individualized treatment planning, email management, therapeutic decision assistance, and diagnostic imaging. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of these technologies, which are particularly beneficial in emergencies and remote care scenarios. Nonetheless, impediments to adoption exist, including the necessity for human oversight, interoperability challenges, socioeconomic limitations, and data privacy concerns. Artificial intelligence and digital health technologies possess substantial potential to enhance patient-centered care by augmenting efficiency, quality, and accessibility. Successful implementation necessitates meticulous consideration of safety, efficacy, ethical oversight, and appropriate resource allocation. Future research should focus on addressing the individual needs of patients and healthcare professionals, with regulatory compliance, personalized care, and precise diagnosis.