Patient Communication Simulators for Interprofessional Healthcare Education: Work in Progress - Poster Presentation

Background and aim: The use of virtual technology has increased in clinical education since the pandemic, which necessitated a rapid shift to computer-generated experiences [1]. Whilst student placements have essentially returned to a face-to-face model, plans to continue an element of virtual simulation remain [2]. One area where virtual simulation remains of benefit is interprofessional education (IPE). Online delivery can overcome timetabling challenges that present when coordinating multiple programmes across different disciplines [3]. This project aims to build an IPE scenario that follows a virtual patient journey using an extended reality (XR) platform.
Method: An existing scenario based on a service user encountered during a physiotherapy placement, was developed into an IPE resource. Collaboration occurred between the university research team, the simulation department and the IPE working groups, in conjunction with the software creation team. Multiple professional scripts were added to the scenario. Two time points were built into a virtual patient with frailty syndrome, to facilitate student interviews with paramedics, emergency clinicians, diagnostic radiographers, geriatricians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, operating department practitioners, dietetics, and social workers.
Results: To date, 68 user testing sessions have been conducted to allow the software developers to refine the conversational artificial intelligence (AI).
Discussion: There were two key lessons. Firstly, the information's volume, complexity and interrelatedness lend best to data collection via a co-creation process, rather than approaching each profession separately (effectively building scenarios in silos). Secondly, appropriate training and setting user testers’ expectations are recommended to maximise participation and engagement.
There are three future research directions. Stakeholder interviews of the contributors, co-creation to develop the allied health scripting and recruiting larger numbers of user testers to develop the conversational AI.
This is the first custom case of this size and complexity. The resource will be available within the university to support IPE activities.
Conclusion: This project is an example of how XR technology can be developed in a clinical context. The resource is intended to illustrate the value of a joined up care pathway, to develop a systems mindset in healthcare students.