We are grateful to Oxford Medical Simulation for sponsoring our Digital Summit 2025, held in London on January 28th, and for producing this blog post as part of our partnership.

Disclaimer: This blog reflects the views of the author. The Council of Deans of Health has a wide membership and set of partnerships with a range of opinions that do not necessarily constitute formal positions of the Council. We value that diversity of thought and experience.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the talk of the town. It’s transforming industries and changing the ways people search for information or complete tasks within their roles.

While there’s a lot of talk around AI and its uses, there’s still much to discuss about what it is, how it’s being used, and why it’s important for a sector like healthcare. F

rom streamlining efficiencies to bolstering documentation, AI is being used to support healthcare professionals in their roles, and it’s being used to support future healthcare professionals in their education and training.

AI in Healthcare Simulation

In the context of healthcare simulation, AI is often used in virtual environments to support real-time reactions and changes based on the actions the learner takes (or does not) during the simulation.

This allows simulations to become even more realistic and immersive for the learner, and they can play out more closely to how they would in the real world.

It may be reflected in patients’ physiological responses – whether a medication was given or not given may result in different responses, for example.

This can support more personalised training for learners as the scenarios are adaptive and react to the learner’s actions or lack thereof.

With more realistic (and repeatable) simulations, learners have more frequent opportunities for practice, further helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

AI and Virtual Reality Healthcare Simulations

At Oxford Medical Simulation, all scenarios have underlying physiology engines and emotional engines that utilise AI to support realistic and timely changes during the scenario.

One key area where AI is clearly evident is in Voice Control scenarios, which use artificial intelligence alongside a language learning model (LLM).

This use of AI allows learners in the scenario to have dynamic conversations with their virtual patients, who will react according to the context of the learners’ statements, as well as their tone and intent.

These AI-powered voice interactions create an environment that supports communication skills in a way that reflects how patients might react in the real world.

Difficult or high-stakes situations, like de-escalation or breaking bad news, provide a safe space for learners to practice their communication skills before they ever need to converse with a patient in practice.

When paired with hand interaction, where learners can physically practice procedural skills, AI-powered simulations bring the learner that much closer to the real world, removing barriers between themselves and the virtual patient.

In these scenarios, learners are responsible for all communication and intervention with the patient, exactly as expected in the clinical environment.

For more advanced learners who require a more open environment, AI is helping them practice much-needed skills realistically with their virtual patients, applying theory to practice in the safety of the virtual world.

AI now and in the future

The use of artificial intelligence is transforming the way we think about healthcare training and education and is helping learners bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice.

With more preparation and practice opportunities, learners can build their skills in a safe, realistic, and immersive environment.

AI is already reshaping healthcare training and is clearly here to stay. To learn more about how AI can support and enhance healthcare simulation, visit our website at oxfordmedicalsimulation.com or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about AI, VR, and healthcare simulation.

Oxford Medical Simulation at the Council’s Digital Summit on January 28th.