AI-industrie.png

Smart Manufacturing & Materials-iStock-1135159658-BEWERKT.jpg

<p><strong>Training in communication skills is crucial in the healthcare sector, where effective interaction with patients has a major impact on the quality of care. The Simulation Crew, a company based in Nijmegen, has developed a groundbreaking method for training these skills using virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Their innovative approach not only helps healthcare professionals communicate more effectively but also prepares them for the challenges of a rapidly changing field.</strong></p><p><img src="https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/Virtual_Reality_en_AI_4919dde8af.jpg?token=fk9XvZ33tUQNYNopwQvJlk0qxqActbiFBLBwCXNr7y4&amp;expires=1777453724" alt="Virtual Reality en AI.jpg" srcset="https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/thumbnail_Virtual_Reality_en_AI_4919dde8af.jpg?token=FHIO1sAWKTTX2r7lkXABcpVikn7qZ2SNme-d0tihvs0&amp;expires=1777453724 245w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/small_Virtual_Reality_en_AI_4919dde8af.jpg?token=75s60dwxhP78Sklge1952T3FuuZN66SKeG-Thes6vuA&amp;expires=1777453724 500w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/medium_Virtual_Reality_en_AI_4919dde8af.jpg?token=29dJNqzx02BilEIsQnB3VpGXBiYR8maYYdiCqWmSZdE&amp;expires=1777453724 750w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/large_Virtual_Reality_en_AI_4919dde8af.jpg?token=sAtd5kdjlBHf4pIeSd10--hwkilmYMYrsAowkmgQowk&amp;expires=1777453724 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="628"></p><h2>From serious games to soft skills training</h2><p>Having started in 2017 by developing serious games, The Simulation Crew decided four years ago to focus on communication and soft skills training via VR. According to co-founder Edward Bosma, there was a growing need for effective, scalable methods to train these skills, especially in healthcare. “Hard skills are often already well-trained using existing tools, but communication and soft skills require a more personalized and interactive approach,” Bosma explains.</p><p>Their technology allows users to engage in realistic role-playing scenarios using VR and avatars. This helps professionals learn to handle various situations and improve their skills in a safe, controlled environment.</p><blockquote><p>Simulating a natural conversation that incorporates both verbal and nonverbal communication is essential for truly transferring these skills to real-world practice.<br>—Edward Bosma, The Simulation Crew</p></blockquote><h2>A Virtual Doctor: Efficiency and Empathy Combined</h2><p>One of The Simulation Crew’s most innovative projects is the development of an AI-driven virtual doctor. This digital assistant takes the patient’s medical history before the consultation with the actual doctor. The goal? To gather valuable background information about the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and concerns. This not only makes consultations more efficient but also gives doctors more time and space to focus on the personal aspect of care.</p><p><br>The project, which is currently being tested at Radboudumc, is showing promising results. “The responses from patients, including those with low literacy levels, have been very positive.” “They find it pleasant to speak freely with the virtual doctor, which is much less stressful than filling out questionnaires,” says Bosma.</p><h2>The Power of AI: Natural Interaction and Advanced Analysis</h2><p>A key element of the technology is the use of AI to simulate natural conversations. The avatars respond in real time, using both verbal and nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language. This AI component not only makes the interaction realistic but also provides feedback based on the user’s performance<br>.”The analysis of the user’s behavior—both verbal and nonverbal—helps them gain a better understanding of their own communication. “This enables targeted improvements,” says Bosma.</p><h2>Challenges and Future Plans</h2><p>Although the technology has great potential, there are also challenges, such as regulations surrounding AI and the MDR (Medical Device Regulation). “This isn’t required for our training tools, but it is for applications such as the virtual doctor,” says Bosma. In addition, technical aspects—such as low latency and natural avatar expressions—are crucial to making the experience as realistic as possible.</p><p>The Simulation Crew looks forward to further collaboration with partners such as Health Valley and AI-hub Oost-Nederland to accelerate market access and share knowledge. Bosma emphasizes: “A network where we can share experiences and solutions related to AI—such as privacy and security issues—would be incredibly valuable.”</p><h2>Innovating Together in Healthcare</h2><p>With projects like the virtual doctor and their advanced communication training programs, The Simulation Crew demonstrates how AI and VR can contribute to an efficient healthcare sector. Their technology not only makes communication training more accessible but also builds a bridge between people and technology that fosters empathetic care.</p><h2>Want to learn more?</h2><p>Want to learn more about innovations in AI and healthcare? On the website of AI-hub Oost-Nederland, you can discover how companies like The Simulation Crew are shaping the future of healthcare.</p><p>Text: <a href="https://www.healthvalley.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Health Valley</a></p>

Virtual Reality and AI Are Preparing Healthcare Professionals for the Future

These entrepreneurs have paved the way for you

Meet our frontrunners

Virtual Reality en AI.jpg

<p>Training in communication skills is crucial in the healthcare sector, where effective interaction with patients has a major impact on the quality of care. The Simulation Crew, a company based in Nijmegen, has developed a groundbreaking method for training these skills using virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Their innovative approach not only helps healthcare professionals communicate more effectively but also prepares them for the challenges of a rapidly changing field.</p>