Utilizing artificial intelligence Grok in caregivers' simulation training

Simulation-based learning (SBL) in medical education utilizes technology to simulate medical scenarios within controlled environments[1]. This method enables healthcare professionals to hone their skills and make decisions effectively, all without posing any immediate risk to patients[2]. In the context of acute disease care, characterized by sudden onset conditions such as myocardial infarctions, strokes, seizures, or traumatic injuries, SBL builds confidence, sharpens decision-making abilities, and enhances overall patient safety. Moreover, SBL can be particularly advantageous for non-medical caregivers by helping them identify signs of sudden health deterioration, recognize early symptoms of emergencies such as sudden chest pain, shortness of breath that are suggestive of myocardial infarctions or altered mental status pointing towards seizures, and detect critical warning signs like intracranial bleeding following head injuries at home. The focus of SBL extends beyond hands-on practice, skill enhancement, and confidence building. In acute care, it also emphasizes immediate feedback, safety awareness, and fostering emotional resilience[3]. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been involving more and more heavily in the modern medical field[4], clinical practice and even patient education[5,6]. It does not only help with early symptoms recognition in acute deterioration of emergency situations[7], but also provide psychological support to patients and caregivers[8]. Recently, Grok-3 has emerged as a revolutionary AI tool[9]. This interactive chatbot can generate a wide range of clinical scenarios for pre-hospital care training (Supplementary Table), giving caregivers the opportunity to engage in SBL at home using computers, tablets, or even smartphones. By harnessing the power of natural language processing and machine learning, Grok creates realistic, interactive scenarios that closely simulate real-life situations faced by caregivers, such as acute chest pain, dysphasia, collapse, sudden cardiac arrest, shock (Supplementary Table), or checklist-based assessments for traumatic head injury management. Debriefing, a critical aspect of SBL, is also supported by Grok, which adapts to various learning styles through its interactive chat features. It provides immediate feedback, enabling caregivers to refine their skills effectively within a virtual, supportive, and controlled environment. In addition to physical health training, SBL extends to psychological and mental health care for caregivers[10]. For example, Grok can simulate scenarios involving acutely ill pediatric patients with agitation or delirium due to conditions like sepsis or hypoglycemia. Through step-by-step guidance, the chatbot helps caregivers learn to calm the patient, offer emotional support, and maintain their safety. The interactive aspect of these simulations equips caregivers with essential communication skills and fosters empathy, enabling them to build trust and rapport with acute behavioral crises in vulnerable populations effectively. In acute disease care, caregivers often encounter high-pressure situations that demand swift decision-making and precise actions. Simulation training provides a safe environment for caregivers to practice these critical skills without risking harm to actual patients. Grok offers a supportive space where caregivers can make errors, learn from them, and build confidence in their capabilities. Additionally, the chatbot can simulate emergency responses to acute traumas, such as hemorrhagic shock or respiratory failure or sudden medical deterioration, functioning as a virtual telemedicine tool. By repeatedly participating in these simulations, caregivers develop the ability to manage emergencies with composure and efficiency, enhancing the likelihood of timely medical intervention in real-world acute scenarios. Another essential aspect of SBL is medication administration, a critical component in acute care. With step-by-step guidance on verifying prescriptions (e.g. epinephrine for anaphylaxis), calculating dosages, and monitoring for potential side effects, Grok provides instant feedback to minimize mistakes. As caregivers become more adept at these tasks, their confidence grows, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. In summary, Grok significantly enriches caregivers' learning experiences in acute disease care by encouraging safe practices, boosting competence and confidence, and building emotional resilience. The incorporation of AI-powered simulation training equips caregivers with the necessary skills to address the intricate demands of patients suffering from acute illnesses more effectively. Conflict of interest statement The authors report no conflict of interest. Funding This study received no extramural funding. Publisher’s note The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Edited by Liu JJ