EXPERTS in physiotherapy and health sciences have stressed the need for a contextual and human-centred approach to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in clinical practice, particularly in physiotherapy.

This position was highlighted at the 2024/2025 Physiotherapy Induction and Awards Ceremony held at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), where 44 newly qualified physiotherapists were formally inducted into the profession.

The Deputy Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa, Prof. Ushotanefe Useh, while delivering the induction lecture, cautioned against the uncritical use of AI tools in healthcare delivery.

He noted that while AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, can be useful, they must be applied with professional judgment and contextual understanding.

“You have to be careful in using AI. There must still be a human face and a contextual approach. Otherwise, you get garbage in, garbage out without proper clinical relevance,” he said.

Useh, who described physiotherapy as a calling deeply rooted in empathy and evidence-based care, emphasised the uniqueness of the profession, noting that physiotherapists possess a distinct ability to diagnose and treat patients through skilled manual assessment.

He further charged the inductees to uphold core professional values, including ethics, legality, evidence-based practice, excellence, resilience, health advocacy, inter-professional collaboration, leadership and visionary thinking.

In his remark, Provost of CMUL, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, reminded the inductees of the high standards required in the health sector, noting that errors in healthcare are often costly.

“Our charge to these physiotherapists is to practise ethically and with empathy. The health and well-being of their patients must always come first,” he stated.

Also, the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, CMUL, Prof. Abidemi Tella, urged the inductees to exhibit compassion and commit to continuous learning, while embracing technology in professional practice.

Similarly, Director of Physiotherapy Services, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Sogbamu Olasunkanmi, advised the newly inducted physiotherapists to be worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and the profession at large.