Healthcare communication is fundamental for students in clinical and health information management programs, requiring effective interaction skills with patients, caregivers, professionals, and other stakeholders. At Tung Wah College, the 3-credit course titled 'NUR1216 Communications in Healthcare Settings' provides theoretical knowledge and role-playing exercises for students pursuing a Bachelor of Health Information and Services Management as well as a Higher Diploma in Health Science, though traditional role-play effectiveness depends heavily on participant performance.
Effective healthcare communication builds patient-provider trust, improves care quality, ensures patient dignity, and prevents potentially dangerous medical errors. Standardized protocols and information sharing are essential safeguards against miscommunication risks.
Generative AI offers a revolutionary approach to healthcare communication training through AI-equipped virtual patients that respond spontaneously to students' inquiries, simulating authentic interactions. This innovative pedagogical method creates realistic scenarios that traditional role-playing cannot consistently deliver.
The technology enables scalable training across various healthcare communication challenges, including de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and delivering difficult news. AI avatars provide immediate feedback on both verbal and non-verbal communication elements, allowing students to practice in a safe, controlled environment.
Research findings demonstrate positive outcomes from integrating generative AI into healthcare communication curricula. Students effectively engaged with AI avatars during their 30-minute assessment sessions, developing valuable patient interaction skills. Course evaluations confirmed that the AI platform enhanced students' communication abilities and overall learning experience.
Generative AI shows tremendous potential for transforming healthcare communication education, though continued research, ethical consideration, and collaborative development are necessary to fully realize its benefits.