YPAG discusses AI with Children’s Hospital Alliance
The Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG) recently took centre stage at a session hosted by the Children’s Hospital Alliance, offering a fresh and thoughtful perspective on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine.
Composed of young people with lived experience of healthcare services, the group brought a unique and often underrepresented voice to a topic that is rapidly shaping the future of patient care.
During the session, YPAG members Nimra, Dalton, Asin and Ananya explored how AI is already being used across healthcare - from assisting in early diagnosis to supporting clinicians in decision-making and streamlining administrative tasks. They highlighted both the promise and the challenges of these technologies, emphasising that while AI can improve efficiency and outcomes, it must be implemented with care, transparency, and strong ethical oversight.
A key focus of the presentation was trust. The group discussed how young patients and families may feel about AI involvement in their care, raising important questions about data privacy, consent, and the need for clear communication. They stressed that technology should enhance, not replace, the human connection between patients and healthcare professionals.
What made the session particularly impactful was the group’s emphasis on co-design. YPAG members advocated for young people to be actively involved in the development and evaluation of AI tools in healthcare. By including patient voices early in the process, developers and clinicians can ensure that innovations are not only effective but also accessible, inclusive, and aligned with real patient needs.
The presentation was met with strong engagement from clinicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders in attendance. It served as a reminder that as medicine becomes more technologically advanced, the perspectives of patients, especially young ones, are essential in guiding responsible innovation.
In bringing their insights to the Children’s Hospital Alliance, the Young Persons Advisory Group demonstrated that meaningful collaboration between patients and professionals is not only possible but vital. Their contribution underscored a simple but powerful message: the future of AI in medicine should be shaped with patients, not just for them.