Assessing Nonverbal Communication Skills Demonstrated by Medical Students in a Virtual Human Simulation

• In Event: Instructional Technology and Simulation in Medical and Veterinary Education: What Is Gained and What Is Lost?

Abstract

Virtual human (VH) training is a promising informatics-based educational strategy to enhance communication of healthcare providers. However, mechanisms by which users interact with VHs and improve their nonverbal communication skills are not well understood. We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from the MPathic-VR randomized controlled trial. MPathic-VR engages health professionals in conversations with VHs programmed to respond to learners’ speech, body language and facial expressions. Specifically, we analyzed video-recordings of medical students interacting with MPathic-VR to assess their nonverbal behaviors in simulated patient-provider encounters. Students demonstrated engagement and displayed nonverbal behaviors emphasized by the MPathic-VR. Subsequent analysis will focus on understanding mechanisms that impact the human-computer interaction by drawing on a variety of trial outcome data.

Authors

• Timothy Guetterman, University of Michigan

• Rae Sakakibara, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Frederick W. Kron, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Mark W. Scerbo, Old Dominion University

• James F. Cleary, Indiana University

• Michael Fetters, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor