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ChatGPT-supported virtual patient communication training for nursing students

Source article: Exploring nursing students' communication experiences with artificial intelligence-supported virtual patients: a qualitative study

Background: Effective communication is essential in nursing, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly integrated into nursing education. Methods: 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 collecte…

By the Truvace desk1 min read1 sourcePeer-reviewedTRV-2026-1475· cite & verify
Exploring nursing students' communication experiences with artificial intelligence-supported virtual patients: a qualitative study
Construction site tour of the Skilled Nursing Residence, in Edgartown, on the island of Martha's Vineyard, in Dukes County, Maryland on August 5, 2024 - 42 by USDAgov. Public domain
Trace impact readingContested
P 71The P score combines the specificity and measured human impact of the grounded problem claim with the strength of this Trace’s cited sources.

Both sides are scored from claims and sources, not community votes.

G 70The G score combines the specificity and measured human impact of the grounded gain claim with the strength of this Trace’s cited sources.

In brief

Third-year nursing students in a Family Health Nursing elective held a simulated counseling session with a virtual patient driven by predefined ChatGPT prompts. Researchers gathered their views through focus group interviews and online reflective diaries and analyzed them thematically.

The findings suggest such tools may work as a supplement to clinical communication training, not a replacement for real patient encounters. The evidence rests on student perceptions rather than measured changes in skills or patient outcomes, so the actual effect on empathy and later practice remains untested.

Main points

  1. The study used a phenomenological design with third-year nursing students in a Family Health Nursing elective.
  2. Three themes emerged: unrealistic empathy and communication, solution-oriented effective communication, and awareness of future communication strategies.
  3. Students saw the ChatGPT interaction style as structured and solution-oriented.
  4. Participants said the sessions helped them identify areas for improvement before real patient contact.
  5. The authors conclude it cannot replace real patient encounters but can complement them.

The gain

Students said ChatGPT-supported virtual patient sessions gave a structured, solution-oriented practice experience and helped them reflect on communication and empathy before meeting real patients.

The problem

Students perceived the ChatGPT virtual patient as giving a less realistic empathy and communication experience than real patient interactions.

The rundown

The intervention used predefined ChatGPT prompts to simulate a counseling session, so students practiced communication with a virtual patient instead of a live person or actor.

Data came from focus group interviews and online reflective diaries, which capture students' own experiences and interpretations of the sessions.

The first theme, unrealistic empathy and communication experience, reflects students' view that the AI patient fell short of real interactions. The other themes point to usefulness for reflection, self-assessment and preparation for professional communication.

What this doesn’t fix

The findings rest on students' perceptions from a qualitative design in one elective course, so they do not show measured improvements in empathy or communication skills.

Sources

  1. Peer-reviewedBMC Nursing2026-10-09

The debate