(99) Artificial Intelligent-enabled Virtual Reality Simulation for Interprofessional Education

Abstract :

Background:
A multiuser virtual reality simulation (VRS) has proved to be an effective approach for interprofessional team training. Yet, its scalability is constrained by human-controlled avatars. With evolving artificial intelligent (AI), AI medical team player can be integrated into virtual reality simulation to enable more nursing students to engage in interprofessional team training.

Aim:
To evaluate nursing students’ competencies and experiences in communicating with AI medical doctor in an AI-enabled VRS.

Method:
A mixed-methods design using a one-group pretest-posttest design and focus group discussions was employed. Nursing students from a university were recruited to undertake the 2-hour AI-enabled VRS. Pre-test and post-tests were administered to evaluate their communication knowledge and self-efficacy. Survey questionnaires were administered to examine their learning experiences. Five focus group discussions were conducted to gain further insight into their learning experiences.

FINDINGS:
The participants demonstrated significant improvements in interprofessional communication knowledge and self-efficacy after the learning. They reported positively on the AI-enabled VRS but rated the “human-like” feature of the AI medical doctor the lowest. Three themes surrounding participants’ experiences of the virtual learning emerged: “relate to the real world”, “artificial intelligence versus human intelligence” and “complement with face-to-face learning”.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates initial evidence on the potential of AI-enabled VRS in fostering nursing students’ learning on interprofessional communication skills. With its scalability and practicality, AI-enabled VRS is a promising teaching strategy to prepare healthcare students to be part of a collaborative workforce that can deliver quality and safe patient care.