Published: Friday 16 May 2025
Dr Karen Jacobs is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her focus? Leading the way in the responsible, ethical implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Here Karen talks with Carol McKinstry, Professor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe Rural Health School in Victoria.
Carol: Some people get frightened that AI will take over and replace human roles. What’s your perspective on how AI can complement rather than replace occupational therapists?
Karen: The essence of what we do as OTs lies in the therapeutic relationship, and our deep understanding of how meaningful occupations intersect with health and well-being. AI cannot replicate that. AI cannot replicate empathy, cultural sensitivity, humility, or the intuitive understanding that each OT brings to the therapeutic process. it’s never going to replace us; it’s only going to augment what we do and make our lives easier.
Carol: Can you tell us a bit more about the ethical considerations or challenges that occupational therapists should be aware of when using AI?
Karen: Ethical considerations must be at the forefront of our integration of AI into occupational therapy practice. One of the critical issues is algorithmic bias. Many AI systems are trained on databases that may not represent diverse populations, which could lead to recommendations that work well for most groups, but not for everyone. As OTs we must critically evaluate whether the AI tools we use have been validated across diverse populations. And boundaries of competence are vital - we need to recognise when AI is operating outside its validated parameters. The safe, ethical use of AI in occupational therapy will be an area that I’ll focus on during my Australia tour.
Carol: We’re so excited about your Australia tour! What can attendees expect from your sessions?
Karen: For education Day on 24 June in Adelaide, I will introduce different tools, strategies and examples of how educators can integrate AI into their teaching. My keynote for OTA’s 31st National Conference in June will explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of health and rehabilitation. As for my workshops in Sydney and Brisbane in July? They are going to be hands-on! Using various tools, we’ll put on our creative hats to explore how we can use AI right now, to enhance what we’re doing. OTs will leave the workshops more confident and competent in the use of AI tools.
Carol: Do you have any final thoughts on why OTs should start embracing AI now?
Karen: Occupational therapists can be leaders of the AI revolution. As a health and rehabilitation profession, we have a critical role in ensuring that these technologies enhance rather than diminish the human centred nature of care. But if we don’t, someone else is going to take the credit. I want OTs to get the recognition they deserve for leading the way with AI to support the incredible work they do.
