Supporting OTs Across Melbourne’s West to Do More of What Matters Most
Occupational therapy in Australia is changing rapidly. With growing documentation requirements, NDIS reporting expectations, and increased demand across communities—from Melton to Caroline Springs, Sunshine, and the wider western suburbs—many clinicians feel the strain between rising workloads and the desire to provide meaningful, client-centred care.
At the same time, the world is embracing a powerful new tool: Generative AI (GenAI).
Many OTs have heard of platforms like ChatGPT, but the real question is—
What does GenAI actually mean for occupational therapy practice in an Australian context?
Why GenAI Matters for OT Practice in Australia
On any given day, an OT might manage:
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Clinical documentation for NDIS participants
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Goal-setting reports and home visit summaries
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Email communication with support coordinators, carers, and case managers
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Lesson planning for school-based clients
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Progress notes and assessment interpretations
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Administrative tasks required by AHPRA and service providers
All while trying to stay aligned with best-practice principles from OTA (Occupational Therapy Australia) and NDIS guidelines.
GenAI will not replace occupational therapists.
But it can support therapists by reducing administrative load and giving clinicians more time for meaningful, human-centred intervention.
With well-designed prompts, GenAI can:
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Create draft SOAP notes, progress note outlines, and discharge summaries
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Assist with NDIS report wording (while still requiring professional oversight)
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Support communication with families, teachers, and support coordinators
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Offer creative ideas for activity planning based on individual client interests
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Assist with summarising policy updates (NDIS, AHPRA, HCP, DVA, etc.)
More efficiency. Less burnout. More time for clients.
The Ethical Foundations: The “3 Es” of Responsible AI Use
Ethical use is essential—especially in the Australian healthcare context.
Below is the framework guiding responsible GenAI use, aligned with:
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AHPRA’s Code of Conduct
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OTA’s Code of Ethics
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NDIS Practice Standards
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Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
The 3 Es Framework
| Principle | What It Means | Why It Matters in Australian OT Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate | Critically review outputs for errors, bias, and accuracy | AI can hallucinate; OTs must verify clinical accuracy and ensure alignment with Australian standards (NDIS, HCP, AHPRA language) |
| Educate | Inform clients, carers, teams, or students about AI involvement when appropriate | Builds transparency and helps maintain trust under the APPs and AHPRA ethical guidelines |
| Enhance | Use AI to support—not replace—clinical reasoning | Ensures AI complements professional judgment, upholding OTA’s focus on safe, person-centred practice |
Real-World Applications for Australian OT Practice
GenAI can support therapists working in clinics, schools, community services, and home-based environments across Melbourne’s West.
In Academic or Learning Settings
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Draft case study questions
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Create discussion prompts
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Build caregiver or teacher handouts
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Simplify complex condition explanations
In Clinical Practice
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Draft progress notes or SOAP templates
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Suggest activity ideas based on client interests
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Develop discharge summary scaffolding
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Create worksheets for sensory, cognitive, or motor goals
For Administration
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Summarise NDIS policy updates
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Format service agreements or memos
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Convert handwritten notes into structured text
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Assist with communication to support coordinators or plan managers
These tools aren't magic—but under professional oversight, they can significantly reduce time spent on low-value tasks.
Final Thoughts
Occupational therapists work at the intersection of people, systems, and real-world challenges. Whether supporting NDIS participants in Melton, school children in Sunshine, or aged-care clients in Taylors Hill, OTs carry a tremendous workload.
GenAI does not diminish the heart of OT—it strengthens it.
When used responsibly, AI allows clinicians to stay more present, intentional, and client-focused. It frees up time for deeper engagement, richer interventions, and the human connection that defines occupational therapy.
As Australian healthcare evolves, GenAI offers an opportunity—not a threat—to enhance the way we work and better support the communities we serve.
About Direct Mobility Australia — Supporting OTs Across Melbourne’s West
At Direct Mobility Australia, we proudly support occupational therapists, support coordinators, and aged-care professionals across Melbourne’s western suburbs.
From our Ravenhall showroom, we provide a full range of electric beds, lift recliner chairs, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, bathroom aids, and other assistive equipment—making it easier for clinicians to trial and recommend the right products for their clients.
Whether you're working with NDIS participants, HCP consumers, or private clients, our team offers fast quotes, accurate product information, and reliable service to support your clinical decision-making.
👉 Visit our homepage to learn more about our products and services:
https://directmobility.com.au/
👉 Browse our full range of mobility equipment:
https://directmobility.com.au/collections/all
👉 Need an NDIS or Home Care Package quote? Submit a request here:
https://directmobility.com.au/pages/request-a-quote
We’re committed to helping OTs save time, access trustworthy equipment advice, and deliver better outcomes for clients across Melton, Caroline Springs, Deer Park, Sunshine, and surrounding areas.
