Motivation
Communication training at the Faculty of Medical Sciences is valuable, but also labour-intensive as it relies heavily on the availability of simulation patients and tutors. Generative AI offers opportunities for students to practise patient consultations more frequently and with greater accessibility, in a safe environment where they take control of their own learning process. Can the use of AI patients contribute to communication training that is both more effective and more accessible?
Hypothesis
Using his innovation voucher, Remco is investigating how AI patients can be used to help medical students practise their communication skills in a safe, accessible and realistic learning environment. This enables students to practise more often, experiment with different conversation techniques and receive feedback immediately.
It is expected that this approach will contribute to more effective, scalable and cost-effective communication training. In addition, Remco expects students to feel better prepared and more confident during consultations with simulated patients and in clinical practice. Ultimately, this will result in doctors with good communication skills, which in turn will lead to better health outcomes for patients.
Desired solution
The project aims to provide insight into the potential of AI patients for practising communication skills, in both written and spoken conversations. ElevenLabs’ software is being used to develop these AI patients, creating a practice environment in which students can hold conversations with virtual patients. Remco expects this approach to better prepare students for conversations with simulation patients and real-life patients, and to give them greater control over their own learning process. In addition, the project is investigating how students experience the AI-generated feedback and to what extent it contributes to their development. If the approach proves successful, it could also be applied in other degree programmes and disciplines where conversational skills are central.
Plan of action
Within the bachelor’s programme, the AI patients are used in seminars and preparatory assignments. Students practise both written and oral communication and receive immediate feedback on their communication skills. These experiences are then discussed during practical sessions. The pilot targets several groups, including undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, trainee GPs and doctors undertaking a supplementary programme leading to BIG registration, in order to evaluate the initiative comprehensively.