‘Let’s work alongside it’: healthcare professionals’ perspectives of generative AI in supporting care at home in paediatric rheumatology

Objectives Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly explored in healthcare, yet its potential to support care at home remains largely unexamined. In paediatric rheumatology, where families frequently undertake complex tasks to manage treatment plans between appointments, safe and effective guidance is essential. The aim of the current study was to understand healthcare professionals' (HCPs') views on adopting GenAI tools to help families manage their child's care. Methods Utilising a vignette-based methodology, paediatric rheumatology HCPs were invited to focus groups and presented with 3 hypothetical scenarios: (1) injection administration, (2) flare assessment, and (3) physiotherapy exercises. Following the principles outlined by Braun and Clarke, data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results A total of 37 HCPs from the wider multidisciplinary team from 14 different hospitals participated in this study. Six main themes were identified: (1) opportunities of GenAI to benefit patient care; (2) disadvantages and challenges; (3) risks, safety netting, and evaluation; (4) different approaches of utilising GenAI; (5) role of HCPs in the world of GenAI; and (6) ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. Conclusions HCPs recognised opportunities for how GenAI could support caregivers in managing their child's healthcare or young people's self-management, particularly through guidance support rather than clinical interpretation. However, concerns were raised regarding the accuracy, reliability, privacy, and data governance of currently existing GenAI tools. The perspectives of HCPs are critical to ensuring that the application of GenAI in healthcare aligns with clinical expectations, ethical standards, regulatory processes, and the needs of patients and families.