Perceptions and knowledge of machine learning for paediatric related decision support in emergency care – A UK and Ireland network survey study of clinician leaders

This study explores clinician leaders understanding and perception at site level towards machine learning (ML) decision support tools for paediatric related emergency care across the UK and Ireland, essential in guiding safe and effective frontline implementation. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via Paediatric Emergency Research United Kingdom and Ireland (PERUKI) to the lead for digital systems or PERUKI site lead, with one response sought per site. Survey development was in REDCap, and descriptive analysis (counts, percentages) was primarily performed. The response rate was 86.7% (65/75), mostly from England (83.1%). While 80.0% understood 'Artificial Intelligence', fewer understood advanced concepts such as 'Deep Learning' (32.3%). Most clinicians believed ML will support decision making (83.1%), would be willing to use (87.7%), and the future of decision making is a combination of human and ML (83.1%). Barriers included concerns about bias (61.5%), ML accuracy (56.9%), and inadequate information technology infrastructure (67.7%). Digital leads were more concerned about ML accuracy than non-digital (68.2% vs. 51.2%). Among potential applications, antimicrobial stewardship ranked highest (90.8%), and diagnosis of mental health conditions lowest (24.6%). Strong interest in ML tools for decision support in paediatric emergency care was evident, though concerns about bias, accuracy, and infrastructure must be addressed. Ongoing co-design with clinicians is critical in ensuring these tools are trusted, useful and suited to paediatric emergency care. Targeted education, digital leadership, and strategic investment in infrastructure and governance are essential for the successful adoption and integration of ML in clinical workflows.