Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving set of tools designed to support and automate specific human tasks. AI is already reshaping nearly every area of society, from education and research to health care and service delivery. In Complex Rehab Technology, AI holds potential not as a stand-alone decision-maker, but as a tool to support clinical thinking and streamline systems. But as the use of AI continues to evolve, CRT providers must proactively decide, “Will we shape AI integration or have it shaped for us?”
Periods of health care crises often prompt organizations and industries to consider new technologies, as part of a proactive effort to prevent future disruption. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic required health care and governmental agencies to identify and record large amounts of data. Efficient analysis of the information was needed to support care providers, research initiatives and patient treatment.
More recently, the Office of Inspector General highlighted how “Operation Goldrush” led to 15 individuals being charged in a multibillion-dollar fraud and money laundering scheme, resulting in money stolen from the Medicare program and private health insurance companies.1
Tracking funds and services demands detailed analyses of large data volumes, something technology and AI can accomplish far more efficiently than manual systems. Emerging tools can detect patterns and flag anomalies for early detection of fraudulent and unethical practices. These tools could help reduce unnecessary denials and make it easier for funders to trust the clinical expertise of clinicians and Assistive Technology Professionals, especially at a time when many are overwhelmed by paperwork and burnout.
Understanding of AI varies widely across the CRT field, and there are many tools, uses and implications to figure out. To help bridge the gap, this article offers a clear overview of AI and encourages discussion about its potential and limitations in our industry.
In this article series, we’ll explore the opportunities, concerns and real-world impact of AI in CRT through questions posed to board members from the Clinician Task Force, RESNA and other industry stakeholders. Topics include service and repair, workforce strain, device life cycles, ethical considerations and fraud prevention. Our goal is to build a shared understanding of AI’s role in CRT, one that promotes ethical use, sparks meaningful dialogue and helps us adapt together as technology continues to evolve.
AI refers to computer systems that can mimic certain parts of human intelligence, such as problem solving, learning and decision-making by sifting through data and finding patterns. These systems are already part of daily life: Voice assistants like Alexa and Siri, personalized recommendations on streaming services and self-driving cars use AI to interpret their environment to make real-time decisions.
These systems use AI to learn from experience and weigh multiple outcomes when making decisions. A common form of AI is called machine learning, which allows computers to sort information, predict outcomes and uncover trends without needing step-by-step instructions.
For example, in a smart wheelchair, machine learning can process data from sensors (such as motor strain, battery performance or tilt frequency) to predict when a component might fail or identify patterns that suggest improper positioning. This type of predictive insight can help clinicians and technicians intervene earlier, improve safety and reduce equipment downtime.
AI is often seen through a range of perspectives. Some view it as a helpful tool, others as a potential disruptor. While AI can analyze large amounts of data quickly and identify patterns that might be difficult for humans to detect, its true value in CRT lies in how it complements clinical expertise. Think of AI as a helpful tool, not as a replacement for human judgement. In CRT especially, person-centered care and clinical reasoning must always lead the way.
With the client at the center, we will explore how AI can be used constructively in the CRT industry to support collaborative care, simplify operations, improve continuity and reduce burnout and admin overload.
Across health care, AI is already being used for tasks like clinical documentation, medical imaging, patient monitoring, research and even robotics in minimally invasive procedures.²
In CRT, integrating AI could mean expanding the use of remote diagnostic tools for all types of equipment, simplifying documentation with speech-to-text features and using predictive systems to flag maintenance needs before problems arise. Most importantly, AI could increase access to educational tools that help clients, clinicians, caregivers and policymakers better understand CRT and support innovation-driven, evidence-based best practices across the field.
While AI offers many promising opportunities, it also raises important ethical questions, especially around equity, machine decision-making and human oversight. “AI is a support and augmentation tool,” explains Dr. Mona Flores, Global Head of Medical AI at NVIDIA, “and it’s up to us to harness its power for the good.”²
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, people tend to respond in different ways. Most of us fall into one of the following categories:
- Early Adopter: “I typically embrace new technologies quickly and help others adopt them.”
- Pragmatic Evaluator: “I adopt new technologies after seeing clear evidence of benefits and manageable risks.”
- Careful Traditionalist: “I prefer proven methods and adopt new technologies only when necessary.”
- Industry Skeptic: “I’m generally cautious about new technologies due to past negative experiences.”
Which category you fall into might shape how you approach AI tools, but either way, it seems the technology is here to stay. It is already being used in so many areas of life and work and has come a long way from “Write this term paper for me” and “Alexa, turn on the lights.”
To better understand how AI is being used, managed and guided in the CRT field, we’re inviting board members from CTF, RESNA and all key stakeholders to weigh in on a series of focused questions. These questions aim to explore the complexities of AI through real-world CRT concerns.
Here are just some of the questions we’re asking leaders across the field to reflect on. Whether you answer one or all, your input will help shape conversations about the role of AI in CRT:
Practice-level, day-to-day impact
How can AI help with compliance while still respecting clinical judgment?
Which AI tools are needed to support clinicians, technicians and ATPs do their job more effectively without replacing their expertise?
Can AI improve transparency and traceability without increasing audit burdens?
System-level changes and innovationHow might AI help CRT keep pace with rapidly changing rules and requirements?
Could AI support predictive maintenance and improve how we track equipment life cycles?
How can AI expand access to diagnostics and services in rural or underserved communities?
Ethics, safeguards and standards
What kind of oversight is needed when AI and human decisions conflict?
How do we guard against bias in AI tools that might impact who gets access to CRT?
What roles should RESNA and CTF play in setting responsible frameworks for AI use?
As a final reflection:
How would you measure successful AI integration in CRT? What outcomes or success metrics would show that it’s making a meaningful difference?
If you’d like to weigh in, scan or click the QR code below to share your thoughts. Whether you’re an early adopter, a skeptic or somewhere in between, your insights will help guide thoughtful, inclusive progress for our field. As a thank you, participants will receive a summary of response themes prior to the next article in the series. We are excited to hear from you and look forward to sharing what we learn.
References
- Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. (2025, June 30). Eastern district of New York: 11 defendants indicted in multi-billion health care fraud Scheme, the largest case by loss amount ever charged by the Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/11-defendants-indicted-in-multi-billion-health-care-fraud-scheme-the-largest-case-by-loss-amount-ever-charged-by-the-department-of-justice/
- Laviola, E. (2023, July 11). What types of AI are being used in healthcare? HealthTech. Retrieved from https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2023/07/types-ai-in-healthcare-perfcon
Contact the Authors:
Tabatha may be reached at TabathaOT@gmail.com.
Leslie may be reached at otrjackson@yahoo.com.
Amber may be reached at amber.ward@advocatehealth.org.
Tabatha James, ATP, SMS, OTR, is a supplier-side Assistive Technology Professional and Seating and Mobility Specialist and occupational therapist invested in furthering the Complex Rehab Techology industry through public health policy, clinical advocacy and technology innovation. With a passion for improving health care access and equity, she collaborates with clinicians, policymakers and industry leaders to drive meaningful changes. James’ dedication extends to mentoring emerging professionals and contributing to initiatives that improve access and lead to better outcomes for individuals relying on CRT.
Leslie Jackson, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CEASIII, has served as an occupational therapist for over 25 years in various settings, including outpatient, acute care, home health, acute rehab and a doctoral-level academic program. She currently leads the outpatient Seating and Mobility Clinic for Marion Health and serves as an occupational therapist for Veteran Affairs. Jackson earned the Assistive Technology Professional certification from RESNA in 2008 and is certified in ergonomics and LSVT BIG, a treatment protocol for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. She volunteers as an executive board member for the Services for the Visually and Hearing Impaired, a nonprofit organization providing assistive technology and education to its clients. Jackson is honored to contribute through the Clinician Task Force’s advocacy and educational initiatives.
Amber Ward has been an occupational therapist for more than 31 years, most recently in an outpatient clinic for individuals with progressive neuromuscular diseases and in a wheelchair seating clinic. She is an adjunct professor in the Occupational Therapy Assistant and master’s Occupational Therapy programs at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in addition to working full time in the clinic. She received the RESNA Assistive Technology Professional certification in 2004, and the Seating Mobility Specialist in 2014. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters, as well as speaking and presenting locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Ward is also a friend of iNRRTS.