AI Privacy
The benefits of using AI in healthcare are real and have been proven effective. Just consider how much time people spend scrolling on their phones. The future belongs to occupational therapy practitioners who know how to use AI efficiently and safely, much like the transition from paper-based documentation to computer systems. This project aims to build confidence and competence in OTPs serving rural older adults. AI is here to stay, whether people want it or not. People are already entering medical information into consumer LLMs, which are not HIPAA-compliant and poses privacy concerns (Harvard Law, 2026). However, many policy regulations are still in development. Therefore, it is critical to learn how OTPs can protect themselves and their clients.
Protect Your Privacy
Where OTP can play a role in assistive tech education:
AI safety is crucial, and older adults should be taught how to protect themselves from scams and misinformation.
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Verify calls and messages: If a call or message seems suspicious, hang up and call back using a trusted number you already know, not the number provided in the message.
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Use AI carefully for health questions: AI can be a helpful tool for learning general information about conditions or medications, but older adults should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before acting on any advice.
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Avoid entering sensitive information: Do not type passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, home addresses, or other private details into AI tools.
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Verify images, videos, and voices: AI can create convincing images, videos, and voices that look and sound real. Scammers may use these tools to promote fake or ineffective treatments, spread false health claims, mislead families about dementia-related medications, and delay appropriate care.
Deepfake warning signs include:
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Unnatural facial movements in video
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Audio with unusual pacing or tone
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Strong pressure to “act immediately”
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Links to suspicious websites or online stores
Source: Alzheimer's Association — Technology Safety for Older Adults
OT Intervention Idea:
Teaching Senior Citizens How to Spot AI (Youtube)
Limit Your AI Tool
You have the option to limit whether a tool can “learn” from your data.
“If you share sensitive information in a dialogue with ChatGPT, Gemini, or other frontier models, it may be collected and used for training, even if it’s in a separate file that you uploaded during the conversation.” - Jennifer King, Privacy and Data Policy Fellow at Standford Institute for Human-Centered AI.
Example:
ChatGPT: Setting->Data Control->Turn off improve the model for everyone.
Youtube: Stop Microsoft, Google & Apple From Training AI on Your Data