Occupational therapists' perceptions of artificial intelligence: Potential, preparedness, and training needs.

IF 2.1 4区医学 Q2 REHABILITATION

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal Pub Date : 2026-06-01 DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.70090

Claire Del Rio, Helen Nelson, Danielle Hitch

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming health care, yet its impact on occupational therapy remains underexplored. This study investigated occupational therapists' perceptions of AI's potential, preparedness, and training needs and differences across therapist groups in a tertiary health service.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 53 occupational therapists, including the Shinners Artificial Intelligence Perception tool and the AI Literacy Scale. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and with exploratory inferential statistics, with content analysis applied to qualitative responses.

Consumer and community involvement: There was no consumer and community involvement in this study.

Findings: Participants reported low AI knowledge (M = 1.32), skills (M = 1.21), and confidence (M = 1.30). They acknowledged the potential for AI to enhance care but perceived limited preparedness for its implementation (M = 2.45), particularly in relation to training gaps and ethical concerns. Knowledge, skills, and confidence were strongly correlated, but service area or years of experience did not exert any significant influence. Participants wanted training about occupational therapy applications and how to use AI ethically and efficiently.

Conclusion: Occupational therapists are optimistic about AI but need targeted education to enhance their literacy and practice, integrated within overall workforce development strategies.

查看原文本刊更多论文

职业治疗师对人工智能的看法：潜力、准备和培训需求。

导读：人工智能（AI）正在改变医疗保健，但其对职业治疗的影响仍未得到充分探讨。本研究调查了职业治疗师对三级医疗服务中人工智能潜力、准备和培训需求的看法，以及治疗师群体之间的差异。方法：对53名职业治疗师进行横断面在线调查，包括Shinners人工智能感知工具和人工智能素养量表。定量数据进行描述性和探索性推理统计分析，内容分析应用于定性反应。消费者和社区参与：本研究不涉及消费者和社区参与。研究结果：参与者报告了较低的人工智能知识（M = 1.32）、技能（M = 1.21）和信心（M = 1.30）。他们承认人工智能有加强护理的潜力，但认为实施人工智能的准备有限（M = 2.45），特别是在培训差距和道德问题方面。知识、技能和信心密切相关，但服务领域或经验年数没有任何显著影响。参与者希望接受有关职业治疗应用的培训，以及如何合乎道德、高效地使用人工智能。结论：职业治疗师对人工智能持乐观态度，但需要有针对性的教育来提高他们的素养和实践能力，并将其纳入整体劳动力发展战略。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

2.80

自引率

16.70%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is a leading international peer reviewed publication presenting influential, high quality innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The aim of the journal is to be a leader in the dissemination of scholarship and evidence to substantiate, influence and shape policy and occupational therapy practice locally and globally. The journal publishes empirical studies, theoretical papers, and reviews. Preference will be given to manuscripts that have a sound theoretical basis, methodological rigour with sufficient scope and scale to make important new contributions to the occupational therapy body of knowledge. AOTJ does not publish protocols for any study design The journal will consider multidisciplinary or interprofessional studies that include occupational therapy, occupational therapists or occupational therapy students, so long as ‘key points’ highlight the specific implications for occupational therapy, occupational therapists and/or occupational therapy students and/or consumers.