From Alexa to Autonomy: Why Technology Belongs in Every OT Toolkit

Why Technology Enabled Care Is Now Core to Occupational Therapy Practice 

We’re delighted to share this engaging and reflective blog from Chloe Bromhead, AI and Technology Lead for RCOT’s Social Care Network. Drawing on practice-based insight, Chloe explores how technology can meaningfully support independence, participation and modern occupational therapy practice.

This blog offers a snapshot of the thoughtful conversations taking place across RCOT Communities and highlights the valuable contributions of our volunteer network leads, who continue to shape and strengthen discussions around AI, technology and social care.

Finding my passion

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I loved my job as an Occupational Therapist in Adult Social Care, but it took me a little while to find my passion. And, funnily enough, it started at my grandparents’ house.

My grandma lived with Parkinson’s, and as things became harder physically, we all wanted to keep her independent for as long as possible. My grandad, who loves a gadget more than anyone, started bringing small bits of technology into their routines. The biggest game-changer was Alexa. Suddenly, Grandma could switch the lights on, change the TV channel or play an audiobook without having to get up. They were simple things, but the impact wasn’t. Those tiny pockets of independence meant the world to her. It planted a seed for me, even though I didn’t realise it at the time. 

Later in my role as a social care OT, that seed really started to grow. I began seeing just how powerful technology could be in supporting people’s daily routines, safety, and wellbeing.

Turning Passion into Impact

Now, in my current role with a local authority, I’ve been able to take that passion even further. I get to empower OTs, social workers, and practitioners across our services to embrace Technology Enabled Care with confidence and creativity. 

Every week, I see how small pieces of technology can help us move from reactive to proactive practice, making a real difference to someone’s everyday life and supporting participation in meaningful occupations.

This passion also carries into my day-to-day practice and professional development. Being part of Royal College of Occupational Therapists Communities has been a valuable way to connect with other OTs, share learning around TEC and AI, and explore new ideas that I can bring back into practice.