ChatClinic in Pharmacy Education: AI-Simulated Renal Cases for Enhanced Clinical Learning.

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven simulations can address limitations of traditional standardized patient programs in health care education.

METHODS

We integrated ChatClinic, a large language model-based virtual patient platform, into a renal workshop for second-year pharmacy students. Students engaged in simulated clinical cases and completed surveys, and their interactions were analyzed for diagnostic accuracy and use patterns.

RESULTS

Students completed 4 virtual patient encounters related to renal pathology. Of 39 students, 19 completed surveys, and all strongly agreed the tool enhanced their understanding and application of workshop content. In 82 analyzed interactions, 75.61% resulted in correct diagnoses. Common student actions included ordering laboratory tests and taking medical histories.

DISCUSSION: Students found ChatClinic valuable and easy to use. Initial findings support AI simulations as effective, scalable additions to health education.