Future proofing occupational therapy practitioners: Preparing for workplace AI integration

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming health care by streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and accelerating access to medical data (Davenport & Kalakota, 2019). AI systems can quickly process large volumes of health care information and hold the promise to reduce costs, improve client experiences, and support evidence-based decision-making (Chen & Decary, 2020). AI has tremendous potential to assist health care teams in developing innovative treatments, educating clients, coordinating care, supporting clinical decision-making, supporting research, and tailoring treatment plans (Chen & Decary, 2020; Koteluk et al., 2021; Liu, 2018; Reynolds, 2023). For occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) who are known for innovation and client-centered care, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. As AI tools become more available to clients, OTPs need to be equipped to support, evaluate, and collaborate with clients who incorporate AI-generated health information into their care.