The Usability of an Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Virtual Standard Patient (AI-VSP) in Nursing Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Technology in Health Professions Education (Table 8)

Abstract

This study explores the usability of an AI-VSP system integrated with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset to enhance nursing education. Addressing the critical shortage of nursing professionals, AI-VSPs offer a scalable, cost-effective solution for patient encounter training. Utilizing a free AI-powered NPC platform, the AI-VSP system replicates real-world clinical interactions. Usability testing with 63 nursing students revealed an SUS score of 81.6, indicating excellent usability. AI-VSP encounters provide an immersive environment for nursing students to practice patient encounter skills, fostering experiential learning. The positive usability results set the foundation for future research on deliberate practice, where repetitive and goal-oriented training with AI-VSPs could further enhance nursing students' proficiency and preparedness for real-world clinical scenarios.

Authors

• Yupei Duan, University of Missouri

• Xinhao Xu, University of Missouri

• Yuanyuan Gu, University of Missouri

• Shangman Li, University of Missouri

• Sue Yun Fowler, University of Missouri

• Hillary L. Claunch, University of Missouri

• Jason Snyder, University of Missouri

• Hao He, Emporia State University

• Jhon Bueno-Vesga, Pennsylvania State University