Volume 9, Issue 2

Published Online: February 14, 2026

Preface

Editorial

Ivan Neil Gomez

The Algorithm and the human: Charting the Future of Digital Health Humanities

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.001

Article 1 | Satisfaction of UST-CRS Students with the Quality of Blended Teaching and Learning in the Interprofessional Education Course for Academic Year 2025-2026: A Cross-Sectional Study Protocol

Valentin Dones III, Cristine Rose Versales, Donita Faye Alvaro, John Daniel Carpio, Maiquela Garces, Antonius Andrei Ledesma, Juan Antonio Sison, Kate Riane Tabios

Background: Blended teaching and learning (BTL) integrates face-to-face and online learning environments to enhance flexibility and engagement for students and teachers. In recent years, BTL has been progressively adopted globally, with the Philippines aligning its implementation with the Commission on Higher Education guidelines. However, data regarding its utilization and effectiveness in the Philippine context, especially in health-allied education, remains limited. This study will provide valuable insights and aid future curriculum development and the improvement of BTL practices. Objectives: This study will evaluate the quality of BTL implementation in the Interprofessional Education course (IPE) at the University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences (UST-CRS) during Academic Year 2025-2026 by assessing student satisfaction. Methods: The study will utilize an observational cross-sectional design to assess the satisfaction of third-year UST-CRS students enrolled in the IPE course during Academic Year 2025-2026. Total enumeration sampling will be used, with data being collected using the Blended Learning Delivery Assessment Tool (BLDAT). The recruitment and data gathering processes will be conducted online, with measures in place to ensure data privacy. Data gathered will be analyzed using descriptive statistics to examine satisfaction levels across the five dimensions of BTL as mentioned in the BLDAT. Expected Results: This study will yield results regarding satisfaction with BTL implementation in the IPE course during Academic Year 2025-2026 among third-year UST-CRS students gathered using the BLDAT.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.002

Article 2 | Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Therapy: A Multi-Stakeholder Qualitative Study in the Philippines

Allan James Tan, Justine Gurtiza-Cua

Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) have gained increasing relevance in occupational therapy (OT) due to their potential to enhance clinical practice, optimize client care, and shape the future of OT education. Despite growing international evidence, literature addressing AI use in OT remains limited in the Philippine context. This Special Collection on AI in Occupational Therapy seeks to address this gap by examining the perspectives and experiences of key stakeholders across OT education and practice through a stakeholder-informed qualitative approach. Using interviews and focus group discussions, insights from school administrators, OT educators, interns, students, and clinicians are gathered to explore their attitudes, concerns, and lived experiences related to AI use in occupational therapy. These multi-perspective findings aim to inform the development of contextually grounded frameworks, institutional policies, and evidence-based programs that support ethical, sustainable, and meaningful integration of AI in OT education and practice within the local setting.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.003

Article 3 | Perspectives of Occupational Therapy Clinicians on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice in Metro Manila: A Study Protocol

Ivan Neil Gomez, Justine Anne Gurtiza-Cua, Catherina Moira Endozo, Kariza Gale Berja, Gabriel Derick Go, Sabina Diorela Simone Lagman, Jenny Lynn Rodriguez

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming various fields, including healthcare. In occupational therapy (OT), Generative AI (GenAI) holds promise for enhancing clinical practice and patient outcomes. However, its successful integration depends not only on technological advancements but also on the perceptions, acceptance, and experiences of clinicians. Despite global interest, limited research exists on the perspectives of OT practitioners in the Philippines. Objectives: To explore the perspectives of OT clinicians in Metro Manila on the use of AI, with a focus on GenAI, in clinical practice, and particularly on their experiences, attitudes, acceptance, and intention to use the technology. Methods: A qualitative study will be conducted with a theoretical sample of 15 OT clinicians actively working across Metro Manila who are familiar with AI, excluding those in academic roles. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) will be used as a guiding framework to understand OT clinicians' attitudes towards the usage of GenAI. After a successful pilot test, one-on-one semi-structured interviews will be conducted online. Data will be thematically analyzed using NVivo 15, following a coding framework. Expected Results: The study is expected to provide insights into the familiarity, experiences, attitudes, and intentions of OT clinicians in Metro Manila regarding AI use in clinical practice. Findings may identify perceived benefits, concerns, ethical and practical considerations, and factors influencing the adoption of AI, highlighting opportunities and barriers for its responsible integration into OT practice.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.004

Article 4 | Occupational Therapy Educators' Perceptions on AI Use in Teaching and Learning Strategies in a Higher Education Institution in the Philippines: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Protocol

Kathlene Anne Hernandez, Sophia Andrea Dela Torre, Angel Leigh Cunanan, Sean Kobe Espiritu, Christine Miles Inson, Jose Miguel Reyes

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly been integrated into healthcare education to support problem-solving, provide timely feedback, diversify assessment approaches, and assist academic writing. Although literature on AI in education continues to grow, evidence remains limited regarding its application in occupational therapy (OT) education, particularly in the Philippine context. Objectives: This study protocol aims to explore the perceptions of OT educators in the Philippines regarding the use of AI in OT education and to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to its implementation in OT educational settings. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design will be employed using purposive sampling. Approximately 10–12 OT educators from a higher education institution in Metro Manila, Philippines, will be recruited. Data will be collected through a focus group discussion to elicit in-depth perspectives on AI use in OT education. Thematic analysis will be conducted to identify recurring patterns and overarching themes related to AI integration. Expected Results: The study protocol includes its expected results, which are to provide context-specific insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI in OT education in the Philippines. Findings may inform instructional strategies, curriculum development, institutional policies, investment in technological infrastructure, and faculty development initiatives related to AI adoption.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.005

Article 5 | The Perceptions of AI Use of Filipino Occupational Therapy Students at the University of Santo Tomas: A Study Protocol

Kim Gerald Medallon, Sandra Tan Pascual, Alexa Jian De los Santos, Bealin Beley, Danielle Marie Maristela, Danielle Kristian Bjork Sui, Luke Isaac Macapugay

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.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.006

Article 6 | Perspectives of University of Santo Tomas (UST) Administrators toward the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education: A Study Protocol

Jose Ma. Rafael Ramos, Reinaluz Manalo, Les Caduyac, Enya Luansing, Jazztine Jorge, Fiona Perez, Breanna Santos

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI), is reshaping productivity and learning experiences in higher education. While many countries have adopted clear institutional policies on AI integration, the Philippines remains in the early stages of policy development, resulting in fragmented and inconsistent guidelines across universities, such as the University of Santo Tomas (UST). As students and instructors increasingly adopt GenAI tools, opportunities emerge for enhanced academic support, personalized learning resources, and more efficient instructional preparation. At the same time, GenAI use raises concerns related to academic integrity, misinformation, equity of access, and overreliance on technology in core learning processes. Objectives: This study aims to create a study protocol that will explore UST administrators’ perceptions of the benefits and risks of AI use in higher education learning environments. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design will be employed, using semi-structured interviews with at least fifteen administrators selected through purposive sampling. Audio-recorded interviews will be transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo software. Expected Results: Administrators from different college-level fields perceive and engage with AI across various academic contexts. Exploring these perceptions will allow guidance in the development of coherent, contextually grounded institutional policies that promote responsible GenAI use and support digital leadership in Philippine higher education.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.007

Article 7 | Perceptions of Generative Artificial Intelligence Integration in Clinical Training Among Occupational Therapy Interns in Manila, Philippines: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Nikka Karla Santos, Maria Ruby Fariñas, Sean James Eire Behan, Ryza Mikyla Agraviador, Eladia Denise Buquing, Josiah Myron Diosanta, Kristin Chloe Evangelio, Ma. Dulce Regina Santiago

Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare, including occupational therapy (OT), with potential applications in its service delivery and clinical decision-making. While GenAI offers promising educational and clinical support, its generative nature introduces risks related to contextual accuracy, transparency, and ethical use, particularly within supervised clinical training settings where professional judgment is still developing. Empirical research examining GenAI integration in OT clinical training remains limited, especially within the Philippine context. Objectives: This is a protocol for a study which aims to explore the perceptions of OT interns in Manila, Philippines, regarding GenAI integration in clinical training, including perceived benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations, guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Methods: This qualitative study protocol describes an exploratory design that will be used to gather rich and contextualized insights from 24 to 32 OT interns enrolled in universities in Manila with established institutional AI-use policies. Data will be collected through semi-structured online focus group discussions (FGD). Thematic analysis will be used with assistance from atlas.ti. Expected Results: The study is expected to generate meaningful themes that describe the perceptions of OT interns regarding the integration of GenAI within supervised clinical training contexts. Results are expected to reflect how interns perceive the role of GenAI in supporting clinical decision-making, as well as its perceived challenges and ethical concerns related to institutional policies, data privacy, reliability, and variability in AI-generated outputs.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.008

Article 8 | Integrated Service Delivery Model for Students with Disabilities in Primary/Elementary Schools: Perspectives and Experiences of School-Based Occupational Therapists

Corinth Shekainah Miranda, Arianne Grace Rivera, Camille Francesca Torres, Nadia Isabel Trajano, Valentin Dones III

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.009

Article 9 | Preterm Infants in the NICU: Oral Motor Intervention for Feeding Development

Clarise Ann Deloria; Patrizia Anne Miranda; Lyka Martina Nolasco; Krista Abbygaile Nulud; Daniella Antonia Rivera; Valentin Dones III

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.010

Article 10 | Building Rehabilitation Into Discharge Goals and Engagement (BRIDGE) Framework

Zharylle Gayeta, Lyka Martina Nolasco, Pamella Mae Tiomico, Camille Francesca Torres, Abelardo Apollo David

Effective discharge planning is crucial for ensuring safe transitions and sustained occupational participation as clients transition from professional care to their desired community settings. Despite its importance, current discharge practices in occupational therapy remain inconsistent, often relying on informal communication, variable team coordination, and unstructured decision-making. These gaps contribute to client–caregiver unpreparedness, fragmented services, and increased readmissions. This manuscript presents the Building Rehabilitation Into Discharge Goals and Engagement (BRIDGE) Framework, a client-centered, occupation-focused conceptual model designed to structure and support the discharge planning process in occupational therapy. The BRIDGE framework was developed through an iterative process of literature review, theoretical grounding, and integration of clinical experience. It synthesizes principles from the Canadian Practice Process Framework, Person–Environment–Occupation frameworks, the Kawa Model, and Bioecological Systems Theory. The framework outlines six discharge planning steps, ranging from goal and timeline setting to follow-up and monitoring, supported by four foundational pillars: patient and family factors, occupational therapy factors, interdisciplinary team factors, and environmental or system influences. Together, these components provide a comprehensive guide for clinical reasoning, collaborative planning, caregiver preparation, and transitional support. The framework clarifies the role of occupational therapy, enhances interprofessional coordination, and promotes consistent transition planning. Future work should include empirical testing, case-based application, and population-specific adaptations.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.011

Article 11 | Understanding Filipino Parent-Occupational Therapist Communication through the Tin-Can Telephone Framework

Irene De Guzman, Clarise Ann Deloria, Corinth Shekainah Miranda, Kyle Matthew Noguera, Nadia Isabel Trajano, Rod Charlie Delos Reyes

Effective communication between parents and occupational therapists (OTs) is central to family-centered care in Filipino pediatric practice; unclear expectations, power differentials, and unaddressed cultural dynamics often hinder collaboration. This paper aims to develop a culturally grounded conceptual framework that identifies and illustrates the dynamics of parent–OT communication supporting reflective, strengths-based, and context-sensitive collaboration in Filipino pediatric OT. It was developed through an iterative process that included clinical reflection, extensive literature review, and iterative consultation with mentors and reviewers. The framework integrates the ideas of the Kawa model, Two-Way Communication model, Sikolohiyang Filipino concepts of loob–labas–kapwa, the Double Empathy Problem, and the Strengths-Based approach. Communication elements (sender–receiver roles, message, feedback, medium, and noise) are situated within three cultural–relational spheres (inner self, shared understanding, and sociocultural context) to explain how messages are produced, interpreted, and sustained over time. The framework offers a culturally grounded lens and reflective tool for OTs seeking to strengthen therapeutic partnerships with Filipino families, while highlighting the need for empirical validation, multi-caregiver applications, and co-designed refinements with parents and neurodivergent adults.

https://doi.org/10.36413/pjahs.0902.012

The Philippine Journal of Allied health Sciences [ISSN: 1908-5044] is an Open Access, peer reviewed journal published by the University of Santo Tomas-College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Manila, Philippines.

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