Virtual Mock Patient in Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at U-M Flint

Collaboration with UM-Flint DPT and UM-Ann Arbor School of Kinesiology

Problem

In physical therapy education, students traditionally develop their communication skills by interacting with standardized patients, often portrayed by actors, before engaging with real patients. While this method offers valuable practice, there are still the constraints of limited time, availability, and cost of actors. Furthermore, even with actors, students may feel anxious, given the limited opportunities to practice, which can hinder their learning and confidence.

Audience

First-year students in the professional physical therapy program at UM Flint's College of Health Sciences.

Outcome/Impact

By integrating a virtual mock patient powered by generative AI into the curriculum, these challenges can be mitigated in the following ways:

  • Increased Practice Opportunities: Students can practice their communication skills, without the constraints of actor availability, allowing for ample repetition and improvement.
  • Less Pressure: A virtual environment provides a low-stakes setting where students can gain confidence through repeated practice and the freedom to experiment with different communication approaches.
  • Diverse Scenarios: AI can simulate a wide array of patient conditions and personalities, providing students with exposure to a broad spectrum of interactions and enhancing their adaptability.

Overall, using a virtual mock patient in physical therapy education aims to enhance students' preparedness by offering more comprehensive, flexible, and accessible practice opportunities, better equipping them for real patient encounters.

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