Figure 1. Top three panels of the Virtual Integrated Patient (VIP), main portion toggles 3 components, history taking, physical examinations and laboratory investigations. In history-taking, a conversation occurs between user and virtual patient using the natural language processor. Top left-hand corner provides information of the current virtual patient where details are randomly generated. Below, a notepad for note taking while investigating what’s going on with the patient – viewable after diagnosis on the summary page. Bottom left is an example of randomly generated patients. 4 different patients with different scenarios. Patients may receive the same diagnoses; however, their circumstances may be different, simulating a real-life scenario for the user.
The statistics of second year medical students’ (n=106) reporting their confidence after using the VIP platform at the bottom. a. 69% of the student users exposed to the Virtual Integrated Patient (VIP) felt more confident taking history in reality after using this platform to practise their history taking skills. b. 87% of the student users had agreed that the platform has aided their methodological content recall. And had increased their recall confidence with the additional practise.
Skills that are commonly practised face to face were a challenge for students to practise during the onset of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Singapore. Many classes were moved online and face to face meetings cancelled. Additionally, the impending lockdown posed difficulties for friends to meet up for essentially anything.
The Virtual Integrated Patient (VIP) was created to take advantage of the advancement in technology. Like in other academic institutions, VIP can be used complementary to academic curricula (Courteille, Bergin, Stockeld, Ponzer, & Fors, 2008). Aiming to allow doctors (medical students and registered doctors alike) to practise their skills that they were not able to practise in their different circumstances. Doctors face problems such as the lack of time due to busy schedules and the disability of practising with their friends (Kim et al., 2018). Since the advancement of technologies in recent years, academic institutions have looked at the use of virtual simulators to aid the variety of teaching methods for the students to learn (Cendan & Lok, 2012). VIP is one such virtual simulator.
VIP seeks to emulate how a flight simulator plays a role in training pilots, where medical students (across the years) can practise their skills in a safe environment. Additionally, boosting users’ confidence before postings to clinics or wards (Kim et al., 2018). Due to its availability, it can be accessed anywhere and anytime with an internet connection, VIP is convenient for busy individuals on the go. VIP is equipped with conversational technology, trained with data sets, enabling AI-learning. This can surpass current linear, semi-linear and menu driven (with drop-down boxes) simulators, by adding to its complexity, prohibiting predictive actions and more importantly, provide a more realistic structure to the practice (Courteille et al., 2008; Gesundheit et al., 2009).
VIP prides itself in having a random patient generator, students will not be diagnosing the same patient at the same time. This will give rise to more active discussions within classes and student groups, allowing them to relate their experiences to each other. They can also delve into the different processes they had deriving in each provisional or differential diagnoses. The platform is also equipped with a natural language processor, a conversational technology using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This allows users to chat with the virtual patient as though they are chatting with a friend.
Visit us at www.virtualintegratedpatient.com
See our platform featured in Medicine Newsletter issue 35 link
Email Prof Lee or Dr Judy Sng to use the VIP platform or if you wish to collaborate on making cases! We can provide training for any of of digital platforms as well!
Communication with Patients Module
Pathophysiology, Pharmacology & Nursing Practice Module
Integrated Clinical Decision Making Module
International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur (IMU, KL)
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