Navigating the AI Wave: Practical Insights for Allied Health Professionals

I'll be honest, finding a balance when speaking to a broad audience of health professionals can be near impossible.  Most clinicians are late adopters with anything new.  So when introducing ideas like AI and tech into practice, it can be a fine line.  For example, I advocated for telehealth LONG before COVID and while my one-to-one clients could embrace and implement, it was hard for me to get the message across on a large scale.  AI had been a bit of the same.  The good news is, it's finally becoming more mainstream....so here I am ready to write about it.  Let's get into a few myths and truths and we'll wrap up with some great AI tools you can use in 5 mins or less.

Myth #1: AI Will Replace Mental Health Professionals

The Myth: There’s a growing concern that AI could eventually replace mental health professionals, taking over their roles in client care.

The Truth: While it's true that AI has the potential to automate certain aspects of healthcare, the reality is more complex and far less alarming. AI is a tool, not a replacement. It's about augmenting the capabilities of healthcare professionals, not taking their place. The heart of mental health care lies in the human connection, something AI cannot replicate. Understanding and effectively using AI can enhance the quality of care you provide, but it cannot replace the irreplaceable: the empathetic, nuanced, and deeply human interaction between a practitioner and their clients. Embracing AI means you’re leveraging technology to enrich your practice, not diminish the value of your personal touch and expertise.

Myth #2: Learning New Tech is Too Hard for Time-Poor Health Pros

The Myth: There's a widespread truth that for healthcare professionals, especially when time-poor and late adopters of technology, learning new tech is too difficult and not worth the required effort.

The Truth: It's true, grappling with new technology can be daunting, especially when you're already juggling a busy schedule and concerned about staying compliant and cyber-secure. But here's the thing: the tech world knows this and has responded.

Many AI tools and technologies are now designed specifically with you in mind - they're user-friendly, intuitive, and come with comprehensive support and training. Plus, they often address compliance and security concerns head-on, ensuring you're not only efficient but also protected.

Start with something managable and seek out resources tailored for healthcare professionals or that you can use in your practice that isn't client related. Many tech providers offer customised training sessions, online tutorials, and responsive customer support. You can also tap into tech specific groups or professional (Hello! Like, me!) where you can share tips and get advice from others who have been in your shoes.

Embracing AI and tech doesn't mean you have to become an overnight expert. It's about finding the right tools that align with your workflow, taking advantage of available support, and gradually integrating these solutions to improve efficiency and security in your practice. Remember, every small step in tech adoption can lead to significant time savings and enhanced care in the long run.

Myth #3: AI and Tech Compromise Patient Privacy

The Myth: A big concern is that incorporating AI and technology might risk patient confidentiality and privacy.

The Truth: While it's essential to be cautious about patient data, the reality is that not using up-to-date technology can actually pose a greater risk. Traditional methods of storing and managing patient information, like paper records or outdated software systems, are often more vulnerable to breaches.

There have been instances where healthcare practices relying on old systems or manual processes have faced significant data breaches. These breaches can occur due to various reasons, such as physical theft of records, unauthorised access due to weak security protocols, or even accidental exposure by staff mishandling information (ah, hello password on a stickey note under the keyboard).

In contrast, modern AI and tech solutions in healthcare are built with robust security measures. They use advanced encryption, secure cloud storage, and regular security updates to protect against cyber threats. Moreover, these systems are designed to comply with healthcare privacy laws and regulations, ensuring that patient information is handled with the utmost care.

By adopting modern technology, healthcare practices not only enhance their efficiency but also strengthen their defense against data breaches. It's about shifting from reactive to proactive measures in protecting patient privacy. The use of AI and tech in healthcare is not just a step towards innovation; it's a move towards more secure and reliable patient care. (Like, use the 2 factor authentication already!)

Myth #4: AI is Impersonal and Cold

The Myth: Some worry that AI makes healthcare feel less human and more like dealing with a machine.

The Truth: It’s easy to see why people might think that automation and systematisation in healthcare could make things feel a bit robotic. But let’s flip this perspective. The beauty of AI and tech in healthcare isn't about getting it to directly interact with your clients; it's about eliminating the mundane and repetitive tasks that can bog you down.

Imagine a world where AI takes care of scheduling, marketing, managing routine communications, and even some aspects of client engagement. What does that leave you with? More time – time you can spend on what really matters: human interaction.

AI handles the data, the appointments, the nitty-gritty details, but it stops there. It's in these spaces, cleared by AI, where human warmth and connection thrive. By taking over the monotonous parts of your job, AI leaves room for what it can't do – provide compassionate care, empathise with clients, and engage in meaningful conversations.

In essence, AI and technology don’t make healthcare impersonal; they pave the way for more personal, client-focused care. They ensure that when you're with a client, you’re fully present, not thinking about the admin work waiting for you. This is how AI and tech bring a more human touch to healthcare – not by being human, but by letting you be more human where it counts.

Myth #5: AI Solutions are Too Expensive for Small Practices

The Myth: There's a perception that AI technology and solutions are out of reach financially for smaller healthcare practices.

The Truth: It's time to bust this myth wide open. While AI tech might sound like it's only for the big players, it's actually becoming more accessible and affordable, even for small practices. Let's look at some tools from the AI Bootcamp that can fit into your practice without breaking the bank:

• ManyChat for Automation: Automating Instagram Call to Actions to boost business to consumer (B2C) engagement. Learn more about how to set up ManyChat and its benefits at ManyChat​​. (Has a free version) Use for marketing purposes
• Fireflies.ai for Digitizing Notes: This tool helps in transitioning to digital client note documentation, enhancing client care, and reducing practitioner burnout. For more details, visit Fireflies.ai​​. (Has a free version) Use for client note taking or even your meetings with your team or referral sources
• Framer for Website Development: Build responsive web designs for your practice's website. Discover how to use Framer at Framer​​. (Has a free version) Use for Marketing
• ChatGPT for Diagnostic and Treatment Enhancements: Use ChatGPT to assist in drafting treatment plans, saving time on administrative tasks and allowing more direct client interaction. Further information can be found at ChatGPT​​. (Has a free version) Use for marketing, report writing, psycho-educational content ideas
• Verbaly.ai for Communication: Train on Verbaly.ai to hone your persuasive communication skills and effectively communicate changes with your team. For more about Verbaly.ai, visit Verbaly.ai​​. (Has a free version) Use to improve your communication.
• Lately for Marketing: Transform blog posts into engaging video content for social media. Discover how to use Lately at Lately.ai​​. (Has a free version) Use for marketing

Each of these tools addresses specific needs within your practice, making them valuable investments rather than expenses. They are designed to save time, reduce costs in the long run, and improve the quality of care and service you provide. So, even for small practices, AI is not just a possibility; it's a practical, attainable step towards a more efficient and effective practice.

Want to watch my training replay for using AI in your practice, click here.