Prior Knowledge Shaped Dutch Parents' Attitudes Towards the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Paediatrics

European parental views on artificial intelligence (AI) in paediatrics remain underexplored. This study addressed this gap by examining Dutch parents' attitudes and assessing how prior knowledge and brief educational interventions influenced their acceptance.

Dutch parents were recruited through Dynata, a large-scale survey distribution platform. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions varying in the level of information provided about AI in paediatrics. Next, they completed a translated version of the validated Attitudes towards AI in Paediatric Healthcare (AAIH-P) questionnaire. Responses were analysed across seven domains of concern.

A total of 2248 parents participated in the study (54.6% female, median age 36-45). Privacy, quality and accuracy, and shared decision making emerged as key areas of concern. Parents were more accepting of AI in less invasive conditions or when AI served as a supportive tool rather than a decision-maker. While the experimental condition showed no effects, higher self-reported prior knowledge of AI was associated with lower acceptance.

Parental acceptance of AI in paediatrics depended on context, with supportive roles and non-invasive scenarios viewed more favourably. Since greater prior knowledge was associated with lower acceptance, implementation should go beyond technological possibilities and actively address the identified areas of concern.