Last year, a report by Research and Markets revealed that colleges and universities are starting to use advanced technologies like AR/VR and simulations to train nursing and medical students better. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more popular for educational purposes, including creating learning content. Recognizing the potential of combining AI with simulation-based learning, online training provider MedCerts has created a platform for medical training. This platform uses large language models (LLMs) to simulate interactions with virtual patient avatars. These avatars help health sciences students practice skills such as communicating with patients and making diagnoses.
Screenshot by Brandon Paykamian
Dana Janssen, Chief Product Officer at MedCerts, explained that students can ask the avatars questions, evaluate their conditions, and devise treatment plans based on their interactions. The aim is to boost students’ confidence in clinical settings by improving their soft skills like communication and professionalism. Janssen emphasized that AI enhances these simulations by enabling more in-depth conversations, making the virtual experience more immersive and realistic.
MedCerts’ platform has been used by various universities including Duke University, the University of Texas, and Elon University. According to Janssen, these simulations allow universities to provide a realistic clinical environment for learners. Raj Arora, Senior Instructional Design Manager at MedCerts, mentioned that they use large language models like ChatGPT 3.5 for simulations and plan to integrate newer AI tools to enhance their medical and nursing modules further.
The simulations developed by MedCerts are accessible on mobile devices or PCs and mainly focus on augmented reality and screen simulations for practicing clinical scenarios and studying anatomy. However, Janssen highlighted the company’s interest in exploring full virtual reality settings once the cost of VR devices becomes more affordable for students. He believes that integrating VR/AR and conversational AI elements will create even more immersive learning experiences in the future.
Source: Govtech
