The Use of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Communication Platform in Practicing Stroke-Related Patient Counseling for Neurology Residents
Aimen Vanood1, David Lanman3, Varun Puri3, Matthew Hoerth1, Shiri Etzioni2
1Mayo Clinic Arizona, 2Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 3Yoodli
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility and perception of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based communication program in providing feedback on communication skills to neurology residents.
Background:
AI is growing in popularity within medicine. Yoodli™ is an AI communication coach that provides actionable feedback.
Design/Methods:
Residents completed a virtual communication scenario that involved consenting an aphasic patient (presenting with a large vessel occlusion (LVO)) and patient’s spouse for thrombolysis and thrombectomy. AI was used to simulate the patient’s spouse during this. The encounter was designed and delivered using the Yoodli™ platform. After residents completed the encounter, they were given feedback on their active listening skills, use of medical jargon, and review of medical contraindications to thrombolysis through Yoodli™. Residents then completed an in-person simulation encounter with a standardized patient presenting with a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) syndrome. Residents were tasked with obtaining a focused history, examining the standardized patient, interpreting CT head and CT angiography (depicting an LVO involving the right MCA), and consenting the standardized patient and acting spouse for thrombolysis and thrombectomy. A five-question feedback survey was distributed at the end of the simulation, assessing the utility of the AI communication encounter and feedback in practicing patient counseling.
Results:
Five of five post-graduate year 2 (PGY-2) residents completed the AI communication encounter, stroke simulation, and feedback survey. The majority of residents (80%) found the tool helpful and all residents (100%) actively used the feedback they were given by Yoodli™ during the stroke simulation.
Conclusions:
This small study demonstrates the potential of AI-based communication platforms in enhancing communication skills for residents. The positive ratings from the participants suggests that the feedback was positively perceived by trainees as well. As AI continues to evolve, its integration within medical education may provide new methods of teaching effective medical communication skills.
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.