By Johan Stey, 2 October 2024
Published by BusinessDay: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2024-10-02-johan-steyn-ai-in-physiotherapy--enhancing-care-not-replacing-it/
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising healthcare, but for many practitioners, it still feels like an uncertain and intimidating force.
The fear that AI could replace therapists is widespread, but in reality, AI has the potential to become an invaluable tool that enhances rather than threatens their profession. I was a keynote speaker at the recent World Physiotherapy Africa Region Congress in Cape Town, hosted by the SA Society of Physiotherapy. I came away with one clear message: AI is here to support therapists, not replace them.
AI can improve diagnostic accuracy, assist in creating personalised treatment plans and support rehabilitation through robotic-assisted therapy and wearable sensors. These innovations provide real-time data, allowing therapists to adjust treatments based on precise feedback. For instance, AI can help physiotherapists monitor a patient’s progress more effectively, offering tailored insights to enhance recovery outcomes. The result? Faster, more personalised care that keeps patients on track.
However, the price tag of these technologies is a barrier. For individual therapists, or small practices, the high costs of AI-driven tools may make them feel out of reach. Yet, despite these financial constraints, AI offers immediate value in another area — administrative tasks.
Managing a practice involves much more than patient care; time-consuming activities such as scheduling, invoicing and following up with medical aids can be overwhelming. This is where AI can provide real, affordable relief. By automating these tasks, AI tools can free up therapists from mundane responsibilities, giving them more time to focus on what truly matters: their patients.
Despite all these technological advancements, the human element of physiotherapy remains irreplaceable. One of the concerns I heard during the congress was whether AI could diminish the therapist-patient relationship. But the opposite is true as AI enhances this bond by allowing therapists to focus more on their patients and less on administrative work. Patients still crave human empathy, support and trust, all of which are critical to the healing process. AI can help make therapy sessions more efficient and effective, but it can never replicate the compassionate care provided by a skilled therapist.
The message I emphasised in my talk was clear: AI should be embraced as a tool that improves the quality of care, not feared as a replacement for therapists. The misconception that AI will make human roles obsolete is unfounded, especially in physiotherapy. The human touch is essential and AI simply helps therapists deliver better care by handling tasks that don’t require their direct attention. Whether it’s scheduling appointments, following up with patients, or refining treatment plans based on data, AI can work in the background while therapists focus on personalising patient care.
Rather than fearing AI, therapists should embrace it as a powerful partner that can elevate their practice, improve efficiency, and help them thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world. AI can handle time-consuming tasks, but it can never replace the invaluable human relationships therapists build with their patients. The trust, empathy and personalised care that comes from a therapist’s experience are irreplaceable.
This combination of advanced technology and human care allows for a more holistic approach to treatment, where AI assists in the background, but the therapist’s role as a healer and adviser remains central. Embracing AI will not only enhance therapeutic outcomes but also reinforce the value of the therapist’s experience in helping patients live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
• Steyn, a human-centred AI advocate and thought leader, is the founder of AIforBusiness.net.
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