Post written by Eric Watkins, Occupational Therapy Student, Concordia University

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in academia and is a point of contention for many. In fact, the topic has been discussed so ad nauseam that I heard an audible groan from many of you after reading the opening sentence. However, rather than discussing its ethical implications, this post focuses on the potential AI could have on occupational therapists’ (OT) workloads.

Before exploring this topic further, consider this: Would a farmer watch his field all day over using animal repellents, or would a novelist hand write their books over using Microsoft word? Likely not. Technology has advanced to a point where it removed some rudimentary busy work, which allowed more time for their full expertise. This raises the question, how much of your job truly uses your full expertise? 

When thinking about that question, documentation comes to mind. While it is true that documentation shows the value that OT can bring, and is essential in acquiring positive client outcomes, would you say you are giving 100% of your expertise when documenting (AOTA, n.d.)? Would you say every repetitive keystroke is a true reflection of years in education and experience? Is that the reason people join the profession? No, it is a bottleneck in the true expression of what OTs brings to the medical field.

OTs spend roughly 31% of their workday on indirect casework (Wilberforce et al., 2016). Imagine if AI could cut that in half, what would you do with that time? Would you spend more time researching to improve the quality of your care? Would you see more clients? Would you think of more creative occupation-based activities? Would you make some calls and advocate for your clients? I can continue but you get the point. If documentation was not so limited then imagine the benefits it could have on the profession as a whole and as a result, the change it can have on the people you see on a daily basis. 

The OT profession finds itself in a pivotal movement, similar to that of many other fields that have seen technology expand its scope. With every new technology emerges a new array of responsibilities and often leaves questions about its appropriate use. However, OTs hold a unique position in this domain. As natural advocates, they are well-equipped to step in and help shape the regulatory frameworks that guide technology's application into their field (OTPF-4, 2020).

References

American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]. (n.d.). Documentation [Webpage]. AOTA. Retrieved October 13, 2024, from https://www.aota.org/practice/practice-essentials/documentation

Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process-Fourth Edition [OTPF-4]. (2020). The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 74(Supplement_2), 7412410010p1–7412410010p87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001

Wilberforce, M., Hughes, J., Bowns, I., Fillingham, J., Pryce, F., Symonds, E., Paddock, K., & Challis, D. (2016). Occupational therapy roles and responsibilities: Evidence from a pilot study of time use in an integrated health and social care trust. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79, 409 - 416. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022616630329.