Will AI Replace Physical Therapist Aides?

Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.

physical manipulation — Hands-on cleaning of medical equipment

Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

physical manipulation — Physically holding patients for positioning

Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.

interpersonal — Live emotional encouragement of patients is human presence

Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.

interpersonal — Care planning conferral is collaborative clinical judgment

Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.

decision support — AI aids chart review; clinical observation of patient is human

Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.

physical manipulation — Hands-on cleaning in patient care rooms

Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.

physical manipulation — Hands-on therapy application requires physical dexterity

Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.

physical manipulation — Moving patients requires hands-on body handling

Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.

text generation — Clerical medical paperwork aided; compliance review human

Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.

decision support — Clinical scheduling needs human verification of constraints

Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.

physical manipulation — Hands-on instrument preparation and sterilization

Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.

physical manipulation — Hands-on patient daily activity assistance

Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.

physical manipulation — Hands-on instrument preparation and sterilization

Record treatment given and equipment used.

data analysis — Maintain records; human owns clinical accuracy

Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.

physical manipulation — Physical exam requires hands-on patient contact

Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.

interpersonal — Patient medical-equipment teaching is hands-on clinical

Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.

physical manipulation — Basic health care treatments are hands-on patient work

Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.

physical manipulation — Fitting assistive devices is hands-on physical customization

Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.

physical manipulation — Hands-on patient daily activity assistance