Chinese Journal of Medical Education

Chinese Journal of Medical Education >

2026 , Vol. 46 >Issue 1: 15 - 20

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20240722-00770

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education

Advancements in evaluating the effectiveness of virtual standardized patients

  • Yu Jialong ,
  • Li Yue ,
  • Qin Jianxing ,
  • Wu Junfang ,
  • Xu Yong
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  • 1Master Degree Candidate, Applied Psychology Major, Enrolled in 2022, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China;
    2Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University & Shanxi Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment for Mental Disorders, Taiyuan 030001, China;
    3Department of Psychiatry, Peking University First Hospital Taiyuan, Taiyuan 030009, China;
    4Department of Clinical Psychology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
Xu Yong, Email: xuyongsmu@vip.163.com

Received date: 2024-07-22

  Online published: 2025-12-31

Supported by

National Natural Science Foundation of China (82371511, 82301744); Taiyuan Scientific and Technological Plan Projects (202206); “Six Initiatives” for Healthcare Talent Cultivation (Z2023002); Shanxi Provincial Basic Research Program - Free Exploration Category (202303021222346)

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Abstract

Virtual standardized patients (VSPs), as computer-based programs capable of accurately simulating clinical scenarios, have become important educational tools in medical training. However, their effectiveness remains debated, underscoring the need for a systematic review of evaluation approaches. This study summarizes current progress in VSP effectiveness assessment across two major dimensions: learning effectiveness and system evaluation. Learning effectiveness assessment encompasses criterion-referenced evaluation, expert evaluation, and additional emerging methods, reflecting learners' training outcomes through quantitative indicators, professional judgments, experience-level differences, and physiological or behavioral responses. System evaluation focuses on technical design, simulation fidelity, and learning practicality, covering key indicators such as usability, authenticity, and sense of presence, and incorporates multiple assessment tools and methodologies. Existing research reveals limitations in current VSP evaluation, including methodological constraints, limited tool diversity, and insufficient longitudinal follow-up. Future work should develop multidimensional and more objective evaluation frameworks to enhance the scientific rigor and practical value of VSPs in medical education.

Key words： Patient simulation; Virtual standardized patient; Effectiveness; Evaluations; Review

Cite this article

Yu Jialong , Li Yue , Qin Jianxing , Wu Junfang , Xu Yong . Advancements in evaluating the effectiveness of virtual standardized patients[J]. Chinese Journal of Medical Education, 2026 , 46(1) : 15 -20 . DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20240722-00770

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