# Human Factors and Implementation Evaluation of Pediatric AI Sepsis Model in the Pediatric Emergency Department

> **NIH AHRQ R03** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $51,729

## Abstract

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with estimated mortality rate of 16.9% and
pediatric hospitalization cost of $7Billion. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been touted as tool to improve sepsis
outcomes and many AI models have been developed for improving outcomes related to pediatric. However,
there is little high-quality evidence of improved patient outcomes in clinical studies and there are studies with
conflicting outcomes related to AI interventions. Current real-world evaluations only measure predictive
performance of the models, but do not provide insight into factors contributing to success/ failure of AI
interventions. While human centered evaluations were done previously in laboratory settings and in
simulations, we are not aware of any real-world evaluations in acute care settings. The goal of this proposal is
to measure implementation outcomes and establish the feasibility of measuring the mechanism of impact via
human performance aspects such as trust, situational awareness, and workload. In aim 1 of the project, we will
evaluate the implementation of an existing pediatric AI sepsis model in the pediatric emergency department. In
aim 2 we will demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the influence of sepsis AI on human performance in a
real-world acute care setting. This project will use a combination of interview methods and electronic health
record data to demonstrate the feasibility of measuring human performance. Demonstrating feasibility will
provide preliminary data for a subsequent hybrid implementation trial of sepsis AI interventions in acute care
settings. This line of study will ultimately yield insights to harness AI technology for improving acute and critical
illness outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10648925
- **Project number:** 1R03HS029417-01
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Swaminathan Kandaswamy
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** AHRQ
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $51,729
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10648925

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10648925, Human Factors and Implementation Evaluation of Pediatric AI Sepsis Model in the Pediatric Emergency Department (1R03HS029417-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10648925. Licensed CC0.

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