Virtual Patients for Shared Decision-Making Training
This project develops AI-powered virtual patient (VP) modules to help medical students at the University of Zurich build essential communication and shared decision-making (SDM) skills. These skills are fundamental for fostering a patient-centered approach to care, where doctors and patients work together to make informed choices about diagnosis and treatment.
The VPs are based on real patient narratives collected through the DIPEx Switzerland project, which documents authentic illness experiences across diverse conditions and backgrounds. By interacting with these virtual patients, students are exposed to a wide range of realistic, nuanced scenarios they might not encounter during their training.
To ensure technical robustness and scalability, the project integrates its content with SimConverse, a leading international simulation platform already used by major universities and health systems. This partnership allows for unscripted, AI-driven conversations, real-time automated feedback, and analytics to track student progress.
The VP modules are integrated into the longitudinal communication curriculum of the UZH medical program, enabling students to practice independently in a safe, low-pressure environment. This approach addresses the shortage of real patient contacts in medical education and growing student numbers.
The project aims to prepare future physicians for the complexities of modern healthcare, fostering empathy, cultural competence, and the ability to engage patients as active partners in their care.
The project is funded by the Universitäre Lehrförderung (ULF) open innovation program and matching funds from the UZH Foundation.
Participants
From IBME:
Duration: 2025-2027
Study program director:
Dominik Schaer
Project partners:
- Micha Gundelfinger
- Balthasar Eugster