• UCLA Semel Institute Center for Community Health
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

The first row is for desktop, and second row is for Tab and Mobile.
You can right click on this text and use Navigator for easy editing. This text message is hidden on all screens using Advanced/responsive tab on left.

Topic: AI-Powered Communication Simulation

AI-Powered Communication Simulation

February 11, 2024

Status: Active

Dr. Comulada at the UCLA Simulation Center to explore immersive technologies for simulation deployment with Dr. Huang, the Simulation Center Executive Director, and simulation specialists (Ryan Damm and Nina Do).

Our interdisciplinary UCLA team develops virtual patients powered by conversational artificial intelligence. Learners speak naturally with simulated patients, navigate emotionally complex situations, and receive feedback designed to strengthen clear, compassionate communication.

 

WHAT WE DO

Practice: Learners rehearse challenging conversations in a psychologically safe environment.

Respond: AI-powered virtual patients respond dynamically through natural spoken dialogue.

Reflect: Learners receive structured feedback on communication strengths and opportunities for improvement.

FEATURED SIMULATION

Medical students take the role of a primary care physician and call a virtual patient to discuss an abnormal mammogram result and the need for a biopsy. The simulation allows learners to practice explaining uncertainty, responding to emotion, and guiding patients through next steps.

A pilot study involved 10 David Geffen School of Medicine students and demonstrated feasibility and acceptability.

Beginning of our pilot study to test Mrs. Patterson, an AI patient that medical student learners engage with through a simulated phone call to practice difficult conversations.

PUBLICATIONS
Development of the Virtual Patient

Members of the study team (Alanna, Dan, and Scott) are pictured with Kranesh (seated), the first participant, after discussing results of an abnormal mammogram with Mrs. Patterson.

Comulada WS, Ganz PA, Huang YM, Weisman D, Sugarman A, Lee D, Shah S, Gelberg L. A Pilot Test of an AI Voice-Driven Simulation With Feedback for Medical Students to Practice Discussing Diagnostic Mammogram Results With Patients. Cureus. 2025 Oct 28;17(10):e95606. doi: 10.7759/cureus.95606. PMID: 41322766; PMCID: PMC12659812.

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.95606

Pilot Evaluation

Comulada WS, Ganz PA, Huang YM, Weisman D, Sugarman A, Lee D, Shah S, Gelberg L. A Pilot Test of an AI Voice-Driven Simulation With Feedback for Medical Students to Practice Discussing Diagnostic Mammogram Results With Patients. Cureus. 2025 Oct 28;17(10):e95606. doi: 10.7759/cureus.95606. PMID: 41322766; PMCID: PMC12659812.

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.95606

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

AI-powered communication simulations to support communication training across health and behavioral health settings. Future simulations could help physicians, counselors, social workers, and other professionals practice conversations involving mental health, substance use, serious illness, treatment decisions, stigma, uncertainty, and emotionally sensitive results.

COLLABORATE WITH US

We welcome collaborations with educators, clinicians, behavioral health professionals, researchers, and community partners interested in developing and evaluating AI-powered communication simulations.

Contact: Dr. W. Scott Comulada at wcomulada@mednet.ucla.edu.