The Perceptions of AI Use of Filipino Occupational Therapy Students at the University of Santo Tomas: A Study Protocol

Background: The recent emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in education has allowed students to utilize these tools to aid academic engagement. Existing literature explores the potential benefits, limitations, and ethical concerns that health professionals have regarding the use of artificial intelligence. Current studies on artificial intelligence in health science education state the need to expand participant samples for increased generalizability, to employ focus group discussions for more in-depth data on perceptions, and to further examine the effects on learning and the actual utilization of these tools. Objectives: This study aims to explore the perceptions of UST Occupational Therapy students regarding AI chatbots in the context of school-related activities. It will further focus on their concerns, utility, and perceived effects of AI on learning related to school activities. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design will be used and will utilize three focus group discussions, one for each year level (first, second, and third-year students), to gather extensive and accurate accounts of students’ perceptions. Thematic analysis, using manual coding and following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase analytic framework, will be employed for data analysis. Expected Results: The study is expected to generate themes describing students’ perceived usefulness, concerns, and learning-related impacts of AI, providing insights that may support the responsible and informed integration of AI in occupational therapy education.