Generative AI for health communication training among health care students

Purpose of review Effective healthcare communication is vital for patients, caregivers, and professionals. Role-playing for undergraduates can be unconvincing; artificial intelligence (AI) avatars offer scalable training for de-escalation, interprofessional collaboration, cultural safety, assessments, delivering bad news, and complaints, with instant feedback. The project spans preparation, implementation, and evaluation. A literature review shows generative AI reshapes education through personalized learning, rapid content creation, virtual tutoring, dialogues and translations, creative prompts, STEM simulations, assessment and analytics, and support for reviews and summaries in higher education. Tools include content generation, adaptive tutoring, language, creative aids, simulations, assessment/analytics, study condensers, collaboration, and research assistants; the 5E Model guides learning. Recent finding Evaluation uses aggregated software feedback and Course and Teaching Evaluation forms, ensuring effective AI integration. Of 200 Tung Wah College healthcare students selected, 170 participated, communicating with avatars. Preliminary results: 95.3% successfully completed the first attempt and 85.3% the second attempt within the curriculum in Hong Kong; performance remains strong. Summary Generative AI holds immense promise for transforming healthcare communication, empowering students and professionals to excel in their communication skills. We must continue to invest in research and development, address ethical considerations, and work together to realize the full potential of this technology.