Caregivers’ views towards implementation of artificial intelligence in the Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Cross-sectional analysis

Background. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly integrated into critical care workflows, yet successful implementation depends on clinical staff acceptance and perceived preparedness, particularly in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The objective of the current study was to assess professional caregivers’ perceptions, ethical concerns, self-rated readiness, and implementation intentions regarding prospective AI assimilation in PICU departments. Methods. In this cross-sectional survey, 119 PICU caregivers (physicians, nurses, and others) completed a validated 34-item questionnaire covering perceived clinical and organizational utility of AI, ethical concerns, readiness, and implementation intention. Differences between groups were examined using t-tests and one-way ANOVA; associations were examined using Pearson correlations; predictors of implementation intention were identified using hierarchical linear regressions. Results. Overall, attitudes towards AI were moderately positive with implementation intention of M = 3.95, organizational perceptions M = 3.68 and nursing-care perceptions M = 3.62. Self-rated AI readiness was lower (M = 3.23). A prominent training gap was identified ("the training I received prepared me to use AI at work," M = 1.85), despite high openness to learning (M = 4.13). Prior AI experience at work was reported by 58.5% and differed by profession (physicians 90.5%, nurses 53.1%, other staff 43.8%). In multivariable models, implementation intention was predicted by combined AI perceptions (β = 0.39, p<.001) and AI readiness (β = 0.33, p<.001), with education contributing modestly (β = 0.20, p = 0.023). Conclusions. PICU caregivers expressed openness to AI implementation, but perceived readiness lagged substantially behind intention, largely due to insufficient training. Implementation willingness appears potentially modifiable through targeted education and implementation practices that may promote readiness and reinforce perceived clinical and organizational value.