Exploring nursing students’ communication experiences with artificial intelligence–supported virtual patients: a qualitative study

Effective communication is essential in nursing, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly integrated into nursing education. This phenomenological study explores how ChatGPT-supported virtual patient scenarios influence nursing students’ empathy and communication skills. Third-year nursing students enrolled in a Family Health Nursing elective interacted with a virtual patient through predefined ChatGPT prompts simulating a counseling session. Data were collected through focus group interviews and online reflective diaries. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: “Unrealistic empathy and communication experience”, “Solution-oriented and effective communication experience”, “Communication and empathy awareness: Future communication strategies and professional preparation” Although participants perceived ChatGPT-supported virtual patient communication as providing a less realistic communication and empathy experience than real patient interactions, they also reported that ChatGPT’s interaction style offered a structured and solution-oriented communication experience. Furthermore, the ChatGPT-supported virtual patient communication experience was perceived as helping students make reflection and self-assessment about communication and empathy, and identify areas for improvement before interacting with real patients. These findings suggest that ChatGPT-supported virtual patient communication cannot replace real patient encounters, but it can serve as a complementary educational tool that encourages reflective learning and prepares nursing students for subsequent clinical communication experiences.