Occupational therapy in the space of artificial intelligence: Ethical considerations and human-centered efforts

Abstract

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is constantly and rapidly evolving and has the potential to benefit occupational therapy (OT) and OT clients. However, AI developments also pose risks and challenges, for example in relation to the ethical principles of OT. One way to support future AI technology aligned with OT ethical principles may be through human-centered AI (HCAI), an emerging branch within AI research and developments with a notable overlap of OT values and beliefs.Objective To explore the risks and challenges of AI technology, and how the combined expertise, skills, and knowledge of OT and HCAI can contribute to harnessing its potential and shaping its future, from the perspective of OT’s ethical values and beliefs.Results Opportunities for OT and HCAI collaboration related to future AI technology include ensuring a focus on 1) occupational performance and participation, while taking client-centeredness into account; 2) occupational justice and respect for diversity, and 3) transparency and respect for the privacy of occupational performance and participation data.Conclusion and Significance There is need for OTs to engage and ensure that AI is applied in a way that serves OT and OT clients in a meaningful and ethical way through the use of HCAI.

Keywords

• Client-centered
• healthcare
• human-centred artificial intelligence
• activity
• participation
• technology