Program: Integrated Curriculum
Faculty/Unit: UBC Health
UBC Health is set to pilot a GenAI-powered chatbot into the Integrated Curriculum, a series of interprofessional workshops and online modules embedded in the core curricula of UBC’s health professional programs. These learning activities are specifically designed to support the development of competencies needed for collaborative practice. The GenAI-powered chatbot will be featured in a pilot activity using the academic electronic health record (aEHR) platform.
Through this activity, small groups of health professional students will simulate working as an interprofessional healthcare team and explore aspects of interprofessional collaboration including team communication and role clarity. As one part of the activity, students, acting as members of a primary care team have the option of simulating an interaction with a patient/client called Marie Parker, a pre-programmed AI chatbot developed using ChatGPT. The Marie Parker chatbot offers a more engaging and interactive alternative to prior versions of this simulation which included branched surveys and text-based case materials.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a Foundation
This pilot builds on UBC Health’s commitment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which emphasizes varied and inclusive ways for students to engage with content. AI aligns well with these principles, offering opportunities for authentic, low-stakes interactions that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Focusing on Realism and Collaboration
A key goal of this innovative pilot is to develop engaging and realistic asynchronous interprofessional learning opportunities. The GenAI chatbot allows students to interact with a simulated patient, adding an element of authenticity and realism to their learning experience. Students will also collaborate to plan their approach to the simulation, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. The design emphasizes using the chatbot as an integral part of the learning process, rather than just a technological add-on.
Looking Ahead
As the pilot rolls out, UBC Health will collect feedback from students and faculty to assess the chatbot’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. It will also be an opportunity to evaluate how GenAI can enhance active learning and support skill development in healthcare education.
Building Flexibility and Inclusivity
Looking beyond the pilot, UBC Health is optimistic that generative AI can make educational materials more flexible and inclusive. They are exploring how this technology can create case studies faster than traditional paper-based or video-based formats while reflecting the diversity of patient scenarios, including different populations and regional contexts. This approach would allow for the rapid development of varied scenarios to meet diverse learning needs.
This pilot represents an important step in integrating AI into teaching and learning at UBC Health. By focusing on practical applications and continuous improvement, it offers a glimpse into how GenAI might play a larger role in education in the future.