Ohio Universities Innovate Healthcare Training with AI and VR

Colleges in Ohio are revolutionizing healthcare education by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) into their curricula. This shift aims to prepare future healthcare professionals for real-world scenarios long before they engage with patients. As these technologies gain traction in healthcare systems, institutions are seizing the opportunity to equip students with the skills necessary for a rapidly evolving field.

At Cedarville University, the nursing program has adopted VR technology, receiving two VR headsets and access to specialized training platforms through a grant from Bodyswaps, a London-based software company. According to Nate Kincaid, associate professor of nursing, the inclusion of VR focuses on developing essential soft skills. “Students get exposure to things they haven’t seen. That initial shock factor, that might be a lot for them,” he explained.

Utilizing VR headsets and hand controllers, students engage with computer-generated patients in realistic scenarios, ranging from initial consultations to delivering difficult news. The program evaluates aspects like eye contact and empathy, allowing students to understand their performance from multiple perspectives. Kincaid emphasized that these simulations can be adjusted to reflect diverse geographic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds.

At Wright State University, Dr. Yi-Hui Lee has been discussing AI’s role in reshaping education and healthcare during various summer conferences. She noted that AI not only offers personalized learning experiences but also alleviates the administrative burdens on healthcare professionals. “In the future, with AI’s help, we can have more personalized learning and personalized diagnoses,” Lee said.

Professors are now employing AI to create tailored learning plans for students. This technology can analyze progress and identify weaknesses, providing additional training without the need for individualized plans from instructors. In practice, AI tools such as voice recording, instant transcription, and data analysis enhance patient-provider interactions by minimizing time spent on administrative tasks. Lee highlighted that these advancements allow for earlier interventions, making healthcare more proactive.

Despite the benefits, Lee cautioned about the limitations of AI. She pointed out that biases in data sets can lead to ethical concerns, as treatment recommendations may not always align with the unique needs of patients. “It’s a tool. It’s not to replace us,” she asserted.

This year, Sinclair Community College launched a significant initiative called the AI Excellence Institute, a $5 million project aimed at embedding AI innovation across all academic disciplines. Christi Amato, dean of eLearning, compared this integration to the rise of the internet in the early 1990s, stressing the necessity for students to critically evaluate information sources.

The health sciences program at Sinclair utilizes AI to simulate real-world medical scenarios, enabling students to gain practical experience without risk to real patients. Wendy Moore, program director, remarked on the importance of hands-on learning, stating that theoretical knowledge cannot substitute for practical skills.

The University of Dayton employs Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience software, enhancing students’ communication, critical thinking, and assessment skills through immersive virtual environments. Meanwhile, a $1.5 million grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is supporting the launch of the Safety Immersion and Gamified Hazard Training (SIGHT) at Miami University. This initiative aims to reduce workplace injuries in Ohio’s manufacturing sector by combining AI, VR, and augmented reality technologies.

Mohammed Mayyas, chair and professor of Engineering Technology at Miami University, highlighted the SIGHT initiative’s goal of fostering a collaborative environment among students, faculty, and industry partners to develop AI-powered safety technologies. The program will deliver safety training through a VR platform that customizes hazard simulations and augmented reality coaching to provide real-time feedback.

As AI and VR technologies continue to evolve, Ohio universities are at the forefront of preparing students for a future where these tools are integral to healthcare delivery. With initiatives like SIGHT set to expand beyond Ohio by 2028, the potential for innovation in education and patient care remains significant.