ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE IN RESEARCH: AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science in healthcare research and practice, to which the occupation therapy area belongs, is rapidly changing. The chapter explores how AI and data science can be applied to the field of occupational therapy research, and how the approaches can be used in clinical assessment, intervention development, outcomes measurement, and client-focused care. The chapter gives an intro about machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics and natural language processing in relation to occupational therapy practice. Moreover, it talks about prospects of making better decisions, tailored interventions, and better research designs and addresses the issues of ethical implications, privacy of data, minimization of biases, and requiring occupational therapists to acquire technological skills. The chapter ends with the suggestions on how AI and data science may be integrated into occupational therapy education and research to help enhance evidence-based practice and support the best occupational performance of various populations.