AI-Assisted Triage

Definition

AI-Assisted Triage is the systematic study and design of conditions, interventions and safeguards affecting children or families within early intervention.

Why this matters

Children have evolving capabilities and limited power over many systems affecting them. Errors in ai-assisted triage can create developmental, relational, educational, health or safety consequences that persist.

Research questions

Where can AI improve triage consistency without obscuring uncertainty or accountability?

Hypotheses

AI-supported prioritisation reviewed by qualified staff will reduce delay while preserving safety better than autonomous triage.

Proposed methods

prospective screening validation, service-pathway mapping, referral audit, implementation trials, time-to-support analysis and multidisciplinary case review; adapted specifically to AI-Assisted Triage; child-appropriate participatory methods; caregiver and practitioner input; age-stratified analysis; validated developmental measures; service-pathway testing; safeguarding review; delayed or longitudinal follow-up; implementation-fidelity assessment

Stakeholders and beneficiaries

children; families; GPs; paediatricians; schools; social workers; allied health; child-protection services; funders; ai-assisted triage specialists; lived-experience family advisory panel; independent child-rights reviewer