Why Artificial Intelligence will never replace an Occupational Therapist!

To be honest... it scares me.  

The world is changing and artificial intelligence is here to stay. 

There has been so much talk about AI recently; taking over our society, doing our jobs, creating everything from recipes to songs…. I’ve been reflecting on the impact for OT.

I have heard of AI being used by OTs with grammar checks, program development and report writing. 

As I said, it scares me. 

OT is a fundamentally “human” profession that is built on relationship and connection. It is a two way process of engagement, function and collaboration. There would be so much missed if Ai is substituted into our process.  

So here is my list of why AI will never replace OT…

* Empathy
* Critical Thinking
* Therapeutic Use of Self
* Kindness
* Compassion
* Flexibility
* Client Centred
* Emotional Intelligence
* Creative ways to address goals
* Good communicator
* Ability to form real connections
* Ability to help clients develop sense of self
* Ability to motivate
* Ability to pivot during therapy session
* Ability to work in a team
* Ability to build rapport
* Ability to be culturally sensitive
* Ability to adapt/stretch boundaries like time and place
* Ability to think on the spot and make quick decisions
* Ability to know when to be light-hearted and went to be serious

From discussing this with others...  I would also add lived experience, expert opinion, human warmth and the ability to build trust. 

What would you add to this list?

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Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

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