ABSTRACT
Communication is a core clinical skill for healthcare professionals, but training can be inconsistent. The amount of time focused on training communication, the quality and quantity of kcdback, and the diversity of actual patient interactions may vary widely among students. Virtual patients (VPs) are an innovative method to provide communication training in a safe environment. This paper discusses formative research on the development of an interactive VP designed with a communication framework. A communication model is being developed based on input from cxpcr1 clinicians, extensive literature analysis, and theories of communication. A prototype VP has been developed that uses speech recognition and a script-mapping mechanism to allow the learner to interact in a natural verbal conversation flow. To assess affective communication, content of the spoken words and voice characteristics are evaluated for emotional qualities. The integration of the communication model, speech recognition and emotion detection will result in a high fidelity VP. The VP will have more human-like conversation skills that are representative of actual physician-patient interactions. Metrics for communication effectiveness will be developed so that performance can be objectively analyzed. It is expected that the improved fidelity of the VP interaction will significantly improve the training of communication and interpersonal skills for health care providers. This research is the first phase of a long-term goal to develop a completely immersive, longitudinal surgical scenario using different forms of medical simulation including computer-based VPs, surgical simulators with haptic controls, high-fidelity mannequins and virtual environments.
