Abstract
Purpose: Expanding placement opportunities has become a global strategic priority, driven by the need to address workforce shortages and improve healthcare delivery worldwide. To address this growing demand, innovative solutions for expanding placement capacity are critical, especially as regulatory bodies like NMC now permit the integration of simulation into practice learning (NMC, 2023). Virtual placements offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional placements, enhancing student confidence, knowledge retention, and clinical competence (Hill & Mitchell 2024). These align with the broader vision of digitally advanced healthcare systems, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and adhering to proficiency standards in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Booth et al. 2021).
Methods: An iterative multistep consensus-building process was used to develop the virtual placement for pre-registration nursing students. This process involved the development and implementation of an EHR, designing the student journey, data monitoring architecture and interactive modalities, including AI, 360 simulations, and ‘live’ simulated patients. The virtual placement incorporated engagement with a multidisciplinary team and practice assessors, all within the context of a hypothetical GP practice. The design of this initiative was rooted in simulation pedagogy and incorporates elements of gamification, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment.
Results: The results indicated that this initiative effectively prepared students for future practice by enhancing their knowledge and skills in key areas.
While many virtual placement initiatives predominantly involve the use of digital and virtual simulation scenarios, this virtual placement model integrated a range of dynamic patient experiences and inter-professional interactions that not only helped students to develop the diverse proficiencies and skills required within community nursing but also provide an experience that addresses technological literacy and prepares students as a modern workforce.
Conclusion: The integration of virtual placements marks a significant advancement in preparing students for healthcare's evolving demands. This innovative approach aligns with global healthcare priorities, supporting workforce development and digital transformation while offering a sustainable, scalable solution to traditional placement challenges.
Notes
References:
Booth, R. G., Strudwick, G., McBride, S., O’Connor, S., & Solano López, A. L. (2021). How the nursing profession should adapt for a digital future. BMJ, 373, n1190. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1190
Hill, B, Mitchell, A. “Virtual Placements in Nursing Education(2024) ” British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) 33.12: 536–537.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2023) Simulated practice learning Simulated practice learning - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Simulation, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Virtual Learning, Nursing Education, Artificial Intelligence
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, Aby and Jafari Salim, Behnam, "Developing a Hypothetical GP Practice: Using AI, Human Interaction and Data for Virtual Placements" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 59.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/59
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-11-20
Developing a Hypothetical GP Practice: Using AI, Human Interaction and Data for Virtual Placements
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Purpose: Expanding placement opportunities has become a global strategic priority, driven by the need to address workforce shortages and improve healthcare delivery worldwide. To address this growing demand, innovative solutions for expanding placement capacity are critical, especially as regulatory bodies like NMC now permit the integration of simulation into practice learning (NMC, 2023). Virtual placements offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional placements, enhancing student confidence, knowledge retention, and clinical competence (Hill & Mitchell 2024). These align with the broader vision of digitally advanced healthcare systems, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and adhering to proficiency standards in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Booth et al. 2021).
Methods: An iterative multistep consensus-building process was used to develop the virtual placement for pre-registration nursing students. This process involved the development and implementation of an EHR, designing the student journey, data monitoring architecture and interactive modalities, including AI, 360 simulations, and ‘live’ simulated patients. The virtual placement incorporated engagement with a multidisciplinary team and practice assessors, all within the context of a hypothetical GP practice. The design of this initiative was rooted in simulation pedagogy and incorporates elements of gamification, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment.
Results: The results indicated that this initiative effectively prepared students for future practice by enhancing their knowledge and skills in key areas.
While many virtual placement initiatives predominantly involve the use of digital and virtual simulation scenarios, this virtual placement model integrated a range of dynamic patient experiences and inter-professional interactions that not only helped students to develop the diverse proficiencies and skills required within community nursing but also provide an experience that addresses technological literacy and prepares students as a modern workforce.
Conclusion: The integration of virtual placements marks a significant advancement in preparing students for healthcare's evolving demands. This innovative approach aligns with global healthcare priorities, supporting workforce development and digital transformation while offering a sustainable, scalable solution to traditional placement challenges.
Description
An iterative, multistep consensus-building process was used to develop the virtual placement for pre-registration nursing students. This model engaged students with a diverse range of virtual patients, multidisciplinary teams, and practice assessors, all within the context of a hypothetical GP surgery incorporating various simulation modalities. The results indicated that this initiative effectively prepared students for future practice by enhancing their knowledge and skills in key areas.