Demystifying AI in Occupational Therapy
In February, we kicked off a series of events with our partners at Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). The aim of this partnership is to explore the role of technologies like AI in the future of occupational therapy (OT) practise – and this first webinar looked to break down the myths and showcase practical applications of AI.
Chaired by RCOT’s Head of Research and Innovation, Dr Gillian Ward, the panel was made up of RCOT AI and Tech Leads (Natasha Key, Samantha McNeilly and Laura Cook), Lilli’s Head of External Affairs, Lauren Macready, and Brett Burnell who has lived experience of using AI to support a family member.
Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:
- AI comes in many different shapes and sizes. From generative AI including large language models that can understand questions and generate responses, to predictive analytics that can predict future trends, AI as a tool is not ‘one size fits all’ - and fields like agentic AI are still developing. It’s never too late to start learning and exploring how they can support you in your role.
- Think of AI as a thought partner and collaborator, rather than a mentor. AI can act as a powerful support tool, but works best alongside an OT’s clinical reasoning, not instead of it. The OT should always be in the driver’s seat.
- When experimenting with AI, it is best to start low-stakes, for example to support with insights and research, and build confidence, then grade up complexity.
- In home monitoring technologies like Lilli, AI is the part of the tech that learns a personalised baseline and then detects deviations from that – i.e. increased bathroom visits than usual for that person, or less mobility. This can help identify risk or the need for additional support.
- OTs using Lilli can be confident it does not collect or infer protected characteristics (e.g., race) and does not use them in any models to avoid demographic profiling or racial bias.
- For families, AI-powered home monitoring technology can enable them to feel reassured about their loved one’s wellbeing, and know that if something does change, they will be alerted quickly to support a quick intervention.
- OTs can balance the benefits of AI (for example more quality time with clients) with its environmental impacts by only using where it offers clear clinical value, while actively advocating for sustainable, low-energy AI systems. They can also help harness AI’s positive sustainability potential—such as reducing travel through home monitoring and telehealth, optimising clinical workflows, and supporting more efficient resource use — ensuring that technological gains also reduce health and care’s carbon footprint.
- OTs are perfectly placed to lead technology teams within adult social care due to their unique clinical skills - and AI tools can support them in delivering more upstream interventions for prevention, proactive care and care closer to home. A number of councils are now using their skills to lead their front door due to this.
For more information about Lilli’s partnership with RCOT, sign up here.