Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving in healthcare and increasingly part of occupational therapy practice. As AI becomes more common, whether introduced into practice by the employer, registrant or the client, OTs must be prepared to address and engage with AI safely, ethically and competently.
ACOT recently conducted a survey (Oct 16-Nov 2) to gain insight into registrants’ questions about AI and what practice guidance may be needed to support registrants.
What We Heard
Eighty-nine registrants shared a wide range of perspectives, concerns and questions about AI in practice. Overall, responses demonstrated cautious curiosity: most saw potential benefits (such as opportunities for improved efficiency and accessibility) when AI is used responsibly, while a smaller number expressed significant concern about its humanistic, ethical and environmental impacts.
Key themes emerged:
- General Understanding: AI is a broad term. What exactly are we referring to in practice?
- Accountability: What level of technical knowledge is expected? When is it inappropriate to use AI?
- Impact on Clinical Reasoning: Could AI weaken or replace human reasoning and clinical judgment?
- Consent and Disclosure: When do I need to tell clients AI is/was used? Do I need to obtain consent every time?
- Confidentiality and Privacy: How can I protect client information when using AI?
- Use of AI for Documentation: What is allowed when using AI for note taking, report writing, summarizing, editing and similar tasks?
- Accuracy and Validity: Given that AI can generate inaccurate or biased information, how can OTs ensure outputs are safe for use?
- Environmental Responsibility: If AI has environmental impacts, should it be used?
Next Steps
ACOT has developed a draft practice guideline that is now being refined to incorporate the insights gained through the survey. The practice guideline will focus on raising awareness of what AI is, how it may appear in practice, and how to evaluate and use it safely, ethically and competently in practice. ACOT will notify registrants by an eNews once the guideline is posted to the ACOT website. In the interim, if you have a specific question about the use of AI in your practice, please contact info@acot.ca.