Application of Intelligent Agents and Standardized Patient Teaching Models in Nursing Interpersonal Communication Courses

Abstract

Objective: To enhance undergraduate nursing students' humanistic care and interpersonal communication competencies. Methods: Using cluster sampling, 218 nursing undergraduates from the 2023 cohort at a medical college were assigned to the intervention group (SHARE framework + AI agents + standardized patients integrated teaching model), while 210 nursing undergraduates from the 2022 cohort formed the control group (traditional teaching model). A semester-long teaching study was conducted using the nursing interpersonal communication course as the medium. Teaching effectiveness was assessed using the Caring Ability Inventory (CAI) and Supportive Communication Scale (SCS). Results: The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores than the control group on all dimensions and the total score of the CAI (Cognitive: 11.08±2.82, Courage: 27.79±4.52, Patience: 44.27±7.60, Total Score: 83.14±12.60) were significantly higher than those of the control group (Cognitive: 8.63±2.54, Courage: 24.16±4.21, Patience: 39.82±7.12, Total Score: 72.61±11.88), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The intervention group also demonstrated significantly higher scores on all dimensions and the total score of the SCS scale (Counseling and Consultation: 11.17±2.85, Providing Effective Negative Feedback: 27.65±4.50, Supportive Communication: 44.32±7.63, Total score: 83.14±12.60) were significantly higher than those in the control group (Counseling and Consultation: 9.21±2.68, Providing Effective Negative Feedback: 23.57±4.12, Supportive Communication: 38.64±7.02, Total score: 71.43±11.53), with statistically significant differences (P <0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: The SHARE framework combined with an integrated teaching model featuring agents and standardized patients effectively enhances nursing undergraduates' humanistic care and interpersonal communication competencies, providing insights for nursing interpersonal communication curriculum reform.