Simulationists and administrative leaders of simulation programs benefit from understanding how intelligent tutoring systems work. This HealthySimulation.com article by Melissa Jo Tully, MHPE, RN, CPHN, will review the integration of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) with Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Live Video for Healthcare Simulation. ITS are revolutionizing healthcare education, offering personalized, immersive, and scalable training methods that elevate the quality of care through competency assessment and one-on-one feedback given by the best instructional method.
What is an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS)?
An Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) is a sophisticated educational technology that delivers personalized instruction and feedback that closely mimics the guidance of a one-on-one human tutor. These systems leverage Natural Language Processing and artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt content delivery based on the competency needs of individuals, which makes this an invaluable tool for personalized instruction and upskilling rapidly.
Now Powered by AI
Artificial Intelligence can now be incorporated with Intelligent Tutoring Systems to provide real-time feedback to learners based on their most recent assessments. AI communication simulators like those available from PCS can provide learners the opportunity to interact with simulated virtual patients in real time, who can respond to the learner’s open ended verbal dialogue. Check out the recent webinar Easier Than You Think: Bringing Generative AI into Clinical Simulation to learn more.
Four Core Components of ITS in Healthcare Simulation
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Domain Model: The knowledge base that contains the subject matter or content the system will teach. This includes the information, concepts, and skills healthcare professionals need to master.
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Student Model: This component tracks the learner’s progress, understanding, and competencies. As the learner interacts with the system, the Student Model updates, which allows the ITS to tailor instruction to the learner’s current knowledge level and competency attainment needs.
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Tutoring Model: Responsible for deciding how the system teaches content, the Tutoring Model includes strategies for presenting information, providing feedback, asking questions, and guiding problem-solving tasks. The ITS can adapt in real-time to the learner’s responses to ensure a personalized learning experience.
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User Interface: The interactive element through which learners engage with the content. A well-designed interface is crucial for maintaining engagement and ensuring a smooth, effective learning experience.
How ITS Enhances Healthcare Training with VR and Live Video Simulation
Research has revealed that intelligent tutoring systems have shown a 35% better performance in learned surgical skills at a rate of 2.6 times faster than those that received remote instructions from a human tutor. There are two types of ITS that can enhance healthcare training that will be discussed.
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Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation: ITS customizes VR scenarios based on the learner’s knowledge and skills. Novice learners might start with basic tasks and scenarios, while advanced learners face complex communication skill scenarios and complex cases. The system adjusts scenarios in real-time to keep learners appropriately challenged. The ITS provides instant, contextualized feedback. For instance, if a nurse communicates poorly during her motivational interviewing training, the ITS can immediately provide pinpoint guidance to correct the mistake or debrief through reflective practice as well as allow for repeated practice, ensuring mastery of skills. ITS-driven VR simulations offer consistent, high-quality training experiences that can be scaled globally, providing the same standard of education to all learners.
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Virtual Live Video Simulation: During live video sessions, ITS monitors performance and offers real-time guidance. If a learner struggles during a simulated teamwork scenario, the ITS can provide targeted interventions. The ITS analyzes verbal and non-verbal communication during live simulations, offering feedback on empathy, clarity, and teamwork—critical skills for healthcare professionals. An ITS enables multiple learners to interact in a shared virtual space, managing complex interactions and ensuring effective team-based learning, mirroring real-world healthcare environments. The advanced ITS can collect data about cognitive states and physiological states.
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The personalized, immersive training helps learners develop skills more effectively and confidently. They can practice high-risk or rare situations on demand and receive immediate feedback, reinforcing learning without real-world consequences. ITS-driven VR and live video simulations provide scalable, cost-effective training alternatives to traditional, resource-intensive methods, delivering high-quality education with fewer physical resources. Synchronous and asynchronous ability serves healthcare professionals well as schedules are quite variable. An ITS collects and analyzes vast amounts of performance data, giving educators valuable insights into learners’ needs. This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement of training programs, aligning them with the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
View the LEARN CE/CME Platform Webinar Designing Medical Simulation Scenarios with AI and ChatGPT to learn more!
The Future of Healthcare Simulation: Expanding the Impact of ITS
As technology continues to advance, the role of Intelligent Tutoring Systems in healthcare education is set to grow. Future ITS will create dynamic, real-time scenarios based on current healthcare challenges, ensuring that training remains relevant and up-to-date.ITS will integrate seamlessly with other training platforms, such as augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), creating even more immersive and comprehensive training experiences. These technologies will expand into more healthcare disciplines, including mental health, telemedicine, and community health, addressing the full spectrum of healthcare training needs.
The integration of Intelligent Tutoring Systems with Virtual Reality and Virtual Live Video Simulation is transforming healthcare education. By offering personalized, immersive, and scalable training solutions, these advanced technologies equip healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence they need to deliver exceptional patient care. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the adoption of these innovative simulation methods will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare professional training and practice.
Learn More About Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Simulation!
