A timely session from the AOPA national assembly in Las Vegas last month discussed how weight loss drugs have impacted O&P care. Our question: What’s been one of the biggest care challenges with rapid weight loss medications at your clinic? Of those who responded, 33 percent each said socket loosening and increased volume fluctuation were the biggest challenges. Twenty-five percent said the toughest challenges came from skin and alignment issues, and 8 percent said their patients taking weight-loss drugs needed more socket adjustments.
Last week’s poll centered on using AI chatbots for emotional support. A study from Stanford University warns of the potential risks in using AI as mental health tools, suggesting that people with smaller offline social circles are more likely to turn to chatbots for companionship. We asked our followers if they would turn to a chatbot for support. Of those who responded 84 percent said they prefer a human connection (like this writer), and 16 percent said that they already use chatbots for support.
One of our followers said he prefers a human connection and wouldn’t turn to AI for emotional support. He added, “But as a neurodivergent person, I can understand why someone might use AI for companionship or support. AI has helped me bring ideas into the world that might otherwise have stayed in my head. It has also strengthened my communication, especially in conversations at the executive level. AI can be a useful tool that helps people express themselves and engage with the world. That benefit often gets less attention in discussions focused on the risks.”
We responded, “Thanks for the thoughtful comment. It is safe to say that AI is good. It can serve a purpose, but still be cautious!”
This week, we decided to stay with our AI-related theme with a two-part question on the pros and cons of AI. This week is the benefits of AI. So far, our followers are saying the advantages of AI come with automating boring job duties. Tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
Vote now on LinkedIn or Twitter!
