AI ‘Patients’ Help Train Medical Students
Medical students at universities and Great Western Hospital are now practising patient interactions using artificial intelligence.
Learning Through AI
Dr Chris Jacobs, a GP at Merchiston Surgery in Swindon, has introduced AI patients to students at the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, and Great Western Hospital. Students interact with AI characters that have realistic faces and voices. They can choose from a range of options and get responses as if they were real patients.
“If we train more competent communicators, we’ll get happier patients and happier doctors,” Jacobs said.
Expanding Practice Opportunities
Traditionally, students practise with each other or book sessions with actors. AI adds another option and lets students continue learning at home. Jacobs explains, “It has layers that create real emotions. Students, nurses, and doctors can practise safely as many times as they need to become more competent.”
He points out that poor communication can lead to missing patient details, misdiagnoses, and even higher costs for the NHS. “Rapport building and gathering all the necessary information are essential. Miscommunication affects care and budgets,” he added.
The Technology Behind AI Patients
The AI patients are powered by SimFlow.ai, a system that designs realistic simulations. Jacobs hopes AI will become more widely used in healthcare.
“We need to keep innovating and test new approaches,” he said. “It’s not just about introducing the technology. We ask, does it actually improve outcomes? That’s the evidence-based approach we’re taking at Great Western Hospital.”
