Physical therapists’ perceptions and attitudes towards artificial intelligence in healthcare and rehabilitation: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being introduced to rehabilitation practices, and it can optimize the patient's outcome through their ability to design personalized care strategies and interventions.

Objectives

To understand the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapy professionals on the use of AI in rehabilitation in regard to treatment planning, diagnosis, outcome prediction, and advantages and disadvantages.

Design and Methods

This paper followed an exploratory, qualitative research design. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with participants of different experience levels and specialties in physical therapy. Results were evaluated using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were identified: (i) perceptions of AI and its applications in healthcare services, (ii) impact on the workforce (iii) considerations around implementing AI within rehabilitation and (iv) AI, and the fast-approaching future. Participants shared views on the potential impact of AI on rehabilitation practices, such as aiding the decision-making process, saving time and effort of both the therapist and patients. Participants have stressed on potential pitfalls that still need to be considered, such as patient data privacy, potential loss of patient-healthcare practitioner relationship, ethical concerns regarding overreliance on these applications and how that might hinder effective patient care.

Conclusion

The findings add to the literature about physical therapists' understanding regarding the use of AI in patient care. Several concerns were raised to the adoption of AI, including concerns about patient privacy, and ethical concerns. Based on the study findings, researchers emphasize the importance of establishing guidelines when incorporating AI in rehabilitation to improve the therapist's knowledge and skills.