Enhancing Communication Skills in Healthcare Workers through AI

This plenary session explores the novel role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving communication skills among healthcare professionals. Emphasising the critical importance of empathy in patient interactions, the session highlights how AI patient simulations can provide realistic practice scenarios. These high-fidelity simulations, featuring lifelike voices, enable healthcare workers to engage in authentic conversations, thereby enhancing their ability to convey empathy and understanding.

Feedback is a cornerstone of training, and AI can offer specific, actionable insights that foster your continuous improvement. This feedback helps healthcare professionals refine their communication techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse patient interactions.

The session also underscores the significance of psychological safety in training environments. AI simulations create a safe space for healthcare workers to practice and make mistakes without fear of judgment, promoting open learning and confidence-building.

Overall, the integration of AI in communication training programs develops healthcare professionals with enhanced communication skills, characterised by empathy and appropriate content.

Download the abstract

Read more about their research

Full text: Clay, T. J., Da Custodia Steel, Z. J., Jacobs, C. (November 15, 2024). Human-Computer Interaction: A Literature Review of Artificial Intelligence and Communication in Healthcare. Cureus 16(11): e73763.

Research summary in our Blog section: Using AI Models to Assess Communication in Healthcare

Dr Chris Jacobs, MB BChir MRes MD (res) MRCGP FHEA, has over 20 years’ experience in healthcare education and has interests in communication and appraising educational technology. He is GP, GP trainer, medical student tutor for Universities of Bristol, Oxford, and Kings College London. Also, a researcher in cognitive psychology in communication training at University of Bath.

Zephy is a second-year medical student at Bristol University with interests in AI, clinical innovation, and patient-centred care. His commitment to this field is evident through his published review, which critically examines the potential of AI to improve communication skills among healthcare professionals.

Theo is also a second-year medical student at Bristol University. He also has a keen interest in intersection of AI and communication. As a co-author to the published review, he can see the importance of empathy in how we communicate and how practice is key to success.

Join us for this one-day event dedicated to discussions on the role of AI in healthcare communication and education.