PREreview estructurada del Healthcare Professionals’ Interactions with Families of Hospitalized Patients Through Information Technologies: Toward the Integration of Artificial Intelligence

Does the introduction explain the objective of the research presented in the preprint?

Yes

The introduction explained that preprint is a pilot study that aims to investigate: 1. How healthcare professionals currently use Information Technologies (IT) to communicate with family members regarding health status, treatments, and procedures. 2. The frequency and consistency of that communication. 3. The perception, acceptance, and expectations regarding the implementation of an internet-based information system with advanced capabilities (e.g., multimedia, automatic notifications, material requests). 4. To characterize the communication practices of healthcare professionals with families through IT. 5. To identify perceptions concerning the implementation of an online information system with advanced features, as a preliminary step toward integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI). The excerpt below is a well-documented final paragraph at the end of the introductory paragraph, which is very informative about the pilot study. "The aim of this pilot study was to characterize the communication practices of healthcare professionals at the Tamaulipas Children’s Hospital with the families of hospitalized patients through information technologies; to assess the frequency and consistency of these interactions; and to identify perceptions regarding the implementation of an online information system with advanced features, as a preliminary step toward its integration with Artificial Intelligence. "

Are the methods well-suited for this research?

Highly appropriate

Yes, the methods are generally well-suited for the stated objectives of this preliminary work, but the study notes a limitation regarding sample size. The study is designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study, aiming to characterize communication practices and identify perceptions regarding the implementation of an online information system. This design is appropriate for investigating current usage, frequency, consistency, and expectations of healthcare professionals

Are the conclusions supported by the data?

Highly supported

Key findings supported by the data are: a) Limited Technology Use and Low Willingness: The claim of "limited use" and "low willingness" to adopt new systems is supported as the reported use of the internet (41.20%), electronic messages (37.30%), and the perceived necessity to implement a new information system (37.30%) are all below 50.00%. b) High Information Quality: The finding that the quality of information provided "surpassed the average" is supported by high rates of consistency (60.80% to 66.70%) in reporting the patient’s health status, medical treatment, and procedures. c) Implementation Challenges: Challenges related to integrating advanced systems are supported by data showing that internet connection availability at the workplace is low (23.50% report "only sometimes") and that advanced functions like multimedia sharing (45.10%) and automated notifications (39.20%) were regarded with caution ("only sometimes") The questionnaire used to collect the data also demonstrated high reliability (α=0.835) and acceptable construct validity (KMO = 0.705)

Are the data presentations, including visualizations, well-suited to represent the data?

Highly appropriate and clear

The data presentations are well-suited for this descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study due to the following observations: 1. Tables and Figures: Demographic characteristics are presented using counts and percentages in Table 1. Key findings regarding technology use, information provided, and professionals’ perceptions of advanced systems are illustrated using percentages in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, respectively 2. Statistical Results: Instrument reliability and construct validity are clearly represented using standard statistical measures, including a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.835 and a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of 0.705

How clearly do the authors discuss, explain, and interpret their findings and potential next steps for the research?

Very clearly

Discussion and Interpretation: 1. They interpret low IT usage (e.g., 41.20% internet use) and low willingness (37.30% see implementation as necessary) in the context of previous studies documenting low computer skills and usage among healthcare professionals. 2. High consistency in providing information (60.80% to 66.70%) is interpreted as evidence that the quality of the information supplied "surpassed the average" and supports patient-centered care. 3. They compare the cautious perception of advanced systems (45.10% "only sometimes" think multimedia is needed) to international settings, noting limitations in technological infrastructure in developing countries like Mexico. 4. The high prevalence of information sharing (over 60.00%) is linked to the growing social and ethical demand for transparency in healthcare. Potential Next Steps: The study is explicitly a preliminary step toward integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), due to the following reasons: 1. The findings aim to identify "areas of opportunity that could guide subsequent, more extensive research" focused on technological optimization of clinical communication. 2. The recommendation is to move toward consolidating innovative clinical communication models mediated by IT and enhanced by AI. 3. They emphasize the need for flexible tools that incorporate automation gradually without eroding trust or the quality of interaction

Is the preprint likely to advance academic knowledge?

Highly likely

The preprint is likely to advance academic knowledge because it contributes empirical evidence in a Latin American context (Tamaulipas Children’s Hospital, Mexico) that has been "little explored in the literature". Key advancements include: a. Providing a preliminary overview of communication practices and patterns using Information Technologies (IT) among healthcare professionals. b. Identifying perceptions and challenges regarding the implementation of advanced digital systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration. c. Guiding subsequent, more extensive research focusing on optimizing clinical communication technologically

Would it benefit from language editing?

No

The document clearly communicates the objectives, methods, and findings of the pilot study

Would you recommend this preprint to others?

Yes, it’s of high quality

The study addresses a relevant topic; the integration of Information Technologies (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare communication, and aims to guide subsequent, more extensive research.

Is it ready for attention from an editor, publisher or broader audience?

Yes, as it is

The findings are clearly presented, the conclusions are supported by the data, and the discussion outlines explicit next steps toward optimizing clinical communication and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Competing interests

The author declares that they have no competing interests.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The author declares that they did not use generative AI to come up with new ideas for their review.