Articles
Vol. 48 No. 1 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.4081/pmc.2026.380

Advances in pediatrics: new technologies in clinical practice

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Published: 26 February 2026
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Pediatrics, telemedicine, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital health

Authors

Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
gianvincenzo.zuccotti@unimi.it
Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan; Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milano, Italy.
Roberto Sassi
Department of Computer Science, University of Milan, Italy.
Maurizio Vertemati
Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan; Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces (CIMaINa), University of Milan, Italy.
Valeria Calcaterra
Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milano; Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.
Over the past decades, digital innovation has profoundly transformed pediatric care, promoting more integrated, personalized, and continuous models of assistance across hospital, community, and home settings. This contribution explores the impact of three key technological domains: telemedicine, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Telemedicine has expanded access to healthcare services, improved monitoring of chronic conditions, and strengthened communication between healthcare professionals and families. Its rapid development during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its value in ensuring continuity of care and supporting vulnerable pediatric populations. Virtual and augmented reality offer new possibilities in surgical planning, medical training, rehabilitation, and psychological support, helping reduce anxiety and pain during procedures while enhancing understanding of clinical pathways. Artificial intelligence enables the analysis of large volumes of clinical and behavioral data, supporting early diagnosis, predictive modeling, and personalized clinical decision-making. Despite these opportunities, the integration of emerging technologies into pediatric practice requires careful attention to ethical, organizational, and educational issues, including data security, equitable access, and professional training. Overall, digital technologies are reshaping pediatrics toward more accessible, efficient, family-centered care.

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Citations

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Advances in pediatrics: new technologies in clinical practice. (2026). La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica, 48(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/pmc.2026.380
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