Issue: #3

Reading time: 5 minutes

Hi there! Welcome to the September issue of the monthly AI for allied health newsletter. It’s been a big month for me, running several workshops, supporting a number of allied health businesses with their technology needs and still writing the AI intensive course! I’ve been reflecting on our use of AI as I prepare a number of conference submissions and I’m still so excited by the prospects of responsible AI use for allied health professionals. I feel we’re only really scraping the surface with our current uses and can’t wait to see how AI can continue to be a better assistant as the technology continues to improve.  As an aside, if you’re going to be at the APOTC conference in Sapporo, Japan in November 2024, let me know, I’d love to see you there! 

Industry News

The University of Denver is developing an AI-powered companion robot for people with Alzheimer's disease. The robot named “Ryan” combines robotics and artificial intelligence to provide social interaction and cognitive games to keep the brain active. Ryan can recognise who is it interacting with and can carry on conversations from previous interactions. For more information, read here. 

There is a similar project happening at the University of NSW in Australia, with the development of digital AI companions “Viv and Friends.” These digital AI-powered characters are viewed on a life sized screen and particularly skilled at helping those who are uncomfortable, judgmental or misinformed. Viv and friends are designed as a peer companion for people living with dementia. Read more here.

In less than ideal news, cybersecurity experts uncovered two security vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Azure Health Bot Service. This is a cloud-based Microsoft platform that enables health organisations to build A-powered virtual assistants and chatbots to engage with patients. These security vulnerabilities would have enabled access to all Microsoft subscription software that the organistion held, potentially enabling access to sensitive patient data. Thankfully Microsoft has resolved the vulnerabilities, but it’s a good reminder to remain vigilant about data security and privacy when selecting AI tools, when using AI tools, and definitely if building AI tools. Read more here.

Essential Artificial Intelligence Tips

I wanted to share another AI tool that you might like to check out.

Goblin.tools is a simple, easy to use AI tools designed to break down complex tasks into managable steps. It has several features, including:

• Magic ToDo – which will break down tasks into steps

• Formalizer – which can assist to change the tone of text

• Judge – to determine the tone of text, and suggest alternatives

• Professor – provides a ‘crash course’ on a topic with an explanation and example

• Estimator – which provides an estimate of how long a task or activity will take (also integrates into the Magic ToDo task breakdown)

• Compiler – which compiles a braindump into a list of tasks

• Chef – which assists to create meal ideas from a list of recipes, dietary constraints, equipment available etc.

I love that it’s a simple tool, doesn’t require a login and is free to use. They describe it “a collection of small, simple, single-task tools, mostly designed to help neurodivergent people with tasks they find overwhelming or difficult.” For allied health professionals and our clients, there are countless uses for goblin.tools. From a responsible use perspective, they advise that they use accessible AI models, including Open AI (i.e. ChatGPT) and specifically guide their users to consider that AI responses can be “only guesswork” and suggest users to judge whether the results are valid. Check it out here.

Prompt of the Month

Each month, I’ll be sharing a useful AI prompt designed to enhance your practice. This month's prompt helps to create an email template for regularly sent emails.

This month’s prompt focusses on tailoring intervention activities to a client’s interest.

How to use:

1. Input the prompt into your preferred AI tool (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or other).

2. Customise to your needs.

3. Edit as required after the response is produced. E.g. you might want more options, or you might want the responses tailored in a specific way.

Prompt:

I’m a physiotherapist, I need to create a template for a client progress update email that I send regularly to a client’s family.  The email should include the following sections: 1. Recent Achievements: Highlight the client’s recent progress and any milestones they’ve reached. 2. Current Goals: Outline the current goals that the client is working towards. 3. Challenges: Mention any challenges or difficulties the client is experiencing and how we’re addressing them. 4. Upcoming Therapy Sessions: Provide a brief overview of what’s planned for the upcoming sessions.  Please make the tone of the email is professional and warm and ensure that it is clear and easy to understand for the family members who may not have a medical background.

Upcoming Events

 Live Workshop– Occupational Therapy Australia Practice Spotlight – Elevate your practice with generative AI – Intermediate workshop

When: Tuesday 10th September 2024, 4pm-6pm AEST

This is an intermediate level generative AI workshop, design for those with a grasp of AI who want to dive deeper and refine how they use AI to support their practice.

More info & register here.

Live Webinar – Choosing the Perfect Practice Management Software

When: Wednesday 16th September 2024, 12:00pm- 1:00pm AEST (will be recorded) 

Join me for this webinar designed specifically for allied health professionals. I'll guide you through the essential considerations for selecting the right software to streamline your daily practice.

More info & register here.

Live Workshop– Occupational Therapy Australia Practice Spotlight – Getting started with generative AI: Basic workshop

When: Tuesday 29th October 2024, 4:30pm- 6:00pm AEST

This workshop has sold out five times previously and aims to provide a basic overview of generative AI (artificial intelligence) for beginners and clinicians who want to implement AI into their work safely and ethically.

More info & register here.

PS. Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 exciting ways I can help to elevate your practice with AI:

1. Want more AI information now? Access our library of on-demand webinars designed to guide you through safe, ethical, and efficient AI implementation. Find them here. 

2. Want personalised support? Looking for tailored guidance to integrate AI into your daily workflows and practice? Let’s explore supervision opportunities for personalised support. Contact me for supervision. 

3. Wondering how to ensure AI is safely implemented into your practice? Get in touch to discuss business- focussed services to ensure your practice stays ahead of the curve. Get in touch for business services.

Thank you for being part of our community!

Jess