# AI Education Needs in Occupational Therapy Programs Uncovered by Recent Study > The study underscores a critical need for integrated AI education in occupational therapy, revealing students' eagerness to learn amidst a perceived lack of competence in AI applications. This gap presents an opportunity for educational institutions to enhance their curricula. **Source**: dovepress.com | **Published**: 2026-11-03 | **Type**: research ## Key Facts - 34.3% of variance in educational content needs explained by AI interest and competency; key for curriculum design. - Strong correlation (r=0.701) between educational priority and instructional methods; indicates strategic focus areas. - 92% response rate indicates high engagement; suggests strong interest in AI integration among students. - Self-reported AI competency scores (3.42) reveal potential vulnerability in practical application; need for training. - High educational priority for digital tools signals market demand for advanced rehabilitation technologies. ## Summary A recent study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare highlights the growing need for integrated artificial intelligence (AI) education within occupational therapy programs. Conducted among 230 occupational therapy students across three South Korean universities, the research found a strong interest in AI applications, alongside a notable gap in perceived competency and educational resources. This development is significant as it signals a critical shift in healthcare education, where the integration of digital technologies is becoming essential for effective practice. The study aimed to assess students' interest in AI, their self-reported competency in using these technologies, and their educational needs regarding AI and digital rehabilitation. The findings revealed that students rated their interest in AI at an average score of 3.64 out of 5, while their self-reported competency was slightly lower at 3.42. Notably, the demand for educational content related to AI scored even higher at 3.93, indicating a clear recognition of the need for enhanced training in this area. The data suggest that while students are eager to engage with AI, they feel underprepared to utilize it effectively in clinical settings. As AI technologies proliferate in healthcare—from telehealth to robotic rehabilitation—the implications for occupational therapy education are profound. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of digital tools in enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency. As such, occupational therapy programs must evolve to incorporate AI training that goes beyond basic usage. This includes developing competencies in critical appraisal of AI outputs, ethical considerations, and the integration of AI with clinical reasoning and client-centered care. The study identified key areas where students felt they required more education, including understanding generative AI, assessing the accuracy of AI outputs, and the ethical implications of AI use in therapy. The correlation between AI interest and educational needs was particularly strong, suggesting that fostering enthusiasm for AI could be a pathway to enhancing competency. This finding underscores the importance of aligning educational curricula with the evolving technological landscape in healthcare. In terms of strategic implications, educational institutions must prioritize curriculum development that incorporates AI and digital rehabilitation tools. As the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate these technologies grows, programs that fail to adapt may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. Institutions should consider partnerships with tech companies to provide hands-on experiences with AI tools, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The study also raises questions about the broader implications for healthcare education as a whole. Other healthcare disciplines may need to examine their own curricula to ensure that students are adequately prepared for a future where AI plays an integral role in patient care. This could lead to a rethinking of educational standards and competencies across various healthcare professions. Looking ahead, the integration of AI into occupational therapy education is not merely a trend but a necessity. As the healthcare sector continues to embrace digital transformation, the ability to critically assess and apply AI technologies will become a fundamental skill. Educational institutions that proactively address these needs will not only enhance their relevance but will also contribute to the development of a workforce capable of delivering innovative, evidence-based care in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. ## Entities - **Products**: ChatGPT, Gemini - **Technologies**: generative artificial intelligence, telerehabilitation, rehabilitation robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, wearable sensors, AI-based assessment, motion analysis - **People**: Yun-Hee Park, Deok-Ju Kim, Professor Charles V Pollack - **Organizations**: World Health Organization, Choonhae Health Sciences University, College of Health & Medical Sciences ## Key Concepts AI competency, digital rehabilitation, occupational therapy education, educational needs, generative AI, clinical reasoning, ethical considerations, curriculum development ## Definitions - **generative AI**: Generative AI refers to computational systems that can produce new content, such as text or images, based on learned patterns from existing data. - **digital rehabilitation**: Digital rehabilitation uses digital technologies to support rehabilitation processes, which may or may not involve artificial intelligence. - **occupational therapy**: Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession aimed at helping individuals regain skills needed for daily living and working, particularly after illness or injury. - **AI competency**: AI competency encompasses the skills and knowledge required to effectively use and evaluate AI technologies in clinical settings. - **ethical considerations**: Ethical considerations in AI involve the principles of privacy, accountability, and responsible use of AI technologies in healthcare. ## Use Cases - Using generative AI for developing clinical cases - Organizing assessment data with AI - Exploring intervention ideas through AI - Preparing educational materials for clients and caregivers - Developing counseling scenarios using AI - Integrating AI tools in occupational therapy assessment and intervention ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is the purpose of the study?** The study aims to assess occupational therapy students' interest in AI, their self-reported AI competency, and their educational needs for integrated AI and digital rehabilitation education. **How was the data collected?** Data was collected through an exploratory cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling among occupational therapy students from three universities in South Korea. **What were the main findings regarding AI interest?** Students expressed a mean score of 3.64 for AI interest, indicating a positive inclination towards integrating AI into their occupational therapy education. **Why is AI competency important for occupational therapy students?** AI competency is crucial for occupational therapy students as it enables them to effectively use AI technologies in clinical contexts, ensuring safe and appropriate application in patient care. **What educational methods do students prefer?** Students showed a preference for instructional methods that include hands-on experience with digital rehabilitation tools, guided practice, and analysis of actual clinical cases. ## Links - [Read on Welcome.AI](https://welcome.ai/content/ai-education-needs-in-occupational-therapy-programs-uncovered-by-recent-study) - [Original source](https://www.dovepress.com/self-reported-ai-competency-and-educational-needs-for-integrated-ai-an-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JMDH) --- Source: Welcome.AI | https://welcome.ai/content/ai-education-needs-in-occupational-therapy-programs-uncovered-by-recent-study