Artificial Intelligence in Allied Health Newsletter - November 2024

October 8, 2024

Issue: #5

Reading time: 6 minutes

Hi Everyone, Welcome to November’s AI in allied health newsletter. This month I attended the 8th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress in Sapporo, Japan. It was a great opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world and learn what is happening in practice. There was some discussion of AI in the conference presentations, but actually one of the greatest use-cases was in translating and interpreting conversations and presentations for listeners whose native language was different to that of the presenter (keep an eye out in next month’s newsletter for a prompt around this!). So much has happened in the AI space this month, with all of the major AI tools announcing product developments.

Image description: Jess, wearing a black coat and smiling in front of a snow covered Sapporo with bare autumnal trees.

Industry News

A lot has happened over the last month in the AI world, see below a few updates!

1. Claude, one of the mainstream LLM’s (large language models) and an alternative to ChatGPT, has released a few updates this month. Firstly it is now available in Mac and Windows desktop apps. They have also added voice dictation functionality, meaning you can talk instead of typing your prompts, increasing useability and accessibility of the tool. Finally, and most impressively, they have just realised a public trial of a new feature that can control the computer screen by moving a cursor, clicking buttons and typing text, it’s called “computer use” and is available currently to developers only for testing.

2. Over the last month ChatGPT has also released additional updates, including the advanced voice mode. The advanced voice mode can engage users in natural, real-time voice conversations with the AI assistant. It’s available on the mobile and desktop applications for paid subscribers. The advanced voice mode can interact with users with fluid and human-like exchanges, making it great for role playing clinical conversations or practicing difficult conversations. 

3. Additionally, ChatGPT has been upgraded over the last few weeks to have web search capability, allowing the AI to access and provide up to date information from the internet and to provide references to where it found the information. Similarly, this is available to paid subscribers and is reportedly planned to be extended to free users within the coming months.

4. In regulatory updates, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released guidance on using AI tools. The OAIC has recommended that it is best practice for organisations to not enter any personal or sensitive information into publicly available generative AI tools, due to the privacy risks present in the use of these tools.

Although this is an Australian guideline, this is consistent with mine and colleagues’ advice to fellow allied health professionals around the world, if using publicly available tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude etc.), please do not enter any confidential or identifying information into the tool. In considering your options for healthcare specific tools, please review the privacy and data management policies to ensure they align with your obligations including your local laws and your organisation’s policies. Read more here.

Prompt of the Month

Each month, I’ll be sharing a useful AI prompt designed to enhance your practice. This month’s prompt is taking advantage of the ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode to practice a difficult client interaction, in this example, it will be in having a discussion with a frustrated client about their concerns in regards to your therapy plan.

How to use:

1. Activate voice mode. Using a device that supports ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode (i.e. smartphone app or desktop application). Open the app and select the microphone icon. 

2. Give content and input the prompt. E.g. “Hi ChatGPT, I’d like to practice a difficult client interaction. Can you act as the client who is frustrated and has concerns about the therapy plan?”  **If you want to practice a specific scenario, tailor this information. 

3. Engage in the conversation. Respond to the AI’s voice just as if it were a real client. Practice active listening, show empathy and try to use your professional tone etc. 

4. Pause and adjust as needed. If you’d like to pause and adjust, just ask “please pause for a moment, can we adjust the scenario more on setting boundaries?” 

5. Reflect and get feedback. After the interaction, ask ChatGPT for feedback on the conversation, on your communication skills or areas where you could improve. E.g. “Can you provide me feedback on the conversation and do you have any suggestions for improvement?”