NAPNAP networking opportunities, navigating artificial intelligence in health care

In this video interview with Contemporary Pediatrics, Tracie W. Kirkland, PhD, DNP, ANP-BC, PPCPNP, CPNP-BC, associate teaching professor, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, shares why she is looking forward to the 2024 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) National Conference on Pediatric Health Care.

“I believe as a practicing provider and as an academician, it’s important to network and learn what others are doing in various parts of the country, to be able to use those experiences and translate them to story-teaching and story-telling for my students,” said Kirkland.

Kirkland says some top sessions have to do with vaccine hesitancy and social determinants of health. Kirkland and her colleague, Allison Scott, DNP, CPNP-PC, IBCLC, associate professor, College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, are presenting a session titled “Rethinking Equitable Breastfeeding Management: Using a Patient-Centered Approach and AAP Guidelines.”

Kirkland added artificial intelligence (AI) is another topic of focus, not only at the conference, but in various health care indications, especially as the ever-changing technology continues to trickle into pediatric health care spaces.

“Looking at new technology and how to integrate AI… Addressing the practice component, the scholarship and/or research, and then the implication in terms of synthesizing and translating into clinical practice,” said Kirkland. “What that also requires is learning a lot about a whole lot of different things in order to prepare the next generation of nurse practitioners.”

To keep up with the growing and changing technology, Kirkland said sessions at conferences and the willingness to incorporate AI where possible, while being hesitant where needed, is best practice in the current state of the technology.

“Do your research and your due diligence to learn as much as you can because your patient population, depending upon where you’re working, they will ask you questions in terms of your knowledge span,” added Kirkland. “To be able to provide that information is engaging and informative. Also, it keeps us abreast of what are some of the latest technology and ways to provide disease management.”

Contemporary Pediatrics will have coverage of several posters, presentations, and video interviews with experts as the National Conference goes on. Visit contemporarypediatrics.com each day for updates and the latest from the conference in Denver, Colorado.