Chinese Journal of Medical Education

Chinese Journal of Medical Education >

2026 , Vol. 46 >Issue 5: 331 - 336

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20250523-00582

Educational Technologies

Evolution, applications and prospects of virtual standardized patient technology in educational contexts

  • Liu Ying ,
  • Yuan Qing ,
  • Cheng Linjie ,
  • Yin Wanyi ,
  • Jiang Zhehan
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  • 1Office of Academic Affairs, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050023, China;
    2Master Degree Candidate, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Enrolled in 2023, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China;
    3Medical Affairs Department, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050023, China;
    4Institute of Medical Education, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

Received date: 2025-05-23

  Online published: 2026-04-30

Supported by

National Natural Science Foundation of China (72474004)

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Abstract

Virtual standardized patient (VSP), which result from the advanced integration of artificial intelligence with simulation-based medical education, are catalyzing a shift in medical education towards a data-driven paradigm. This paper provides a systematic analysis of the technological advancements in VSP, highlighting their fundamental distinctions from traditional standardized patients. It further examines the divergent developmental trajectories in technical architecture and functional orientation between China and other countries. Domestically, there is an emphasis on intelligent scoring systems for assessment and evaluation, whereas internationally, the focus is on process-oriented multimodal immersive interaction. VSP presents notable benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, uniformity in instruction, and adaptability in various scenarios. However, they also encounter practical challenges, such as limitations in replicating non-verbal communication, potential for content distortion, and the lack of standardized evaluation criteria. Future advancements in VSP development should focus on technological integration, progressing from multimodal interactions to physiological closed-loop systems. Additionally, there is a need for standardization to move from disparate practices to a cohesive assessment framework, and for security governance to transition from passive protection measures to proactive management strategies. This study seeks to serve as a foundational reference for the localized development and implementation of VSP, as well as for the advancement of intelligent methodologies in medical education.

Key words： Patient simulation; Virtual standardized patients; Medical simulation education; Virtual reality; Technological paradigms; Research progress

Cite this article

Liu Ying , Yuan Qing , Cheng Linjie , Yin Wanyi , Jiang Zhehan . Evolution, applications and prospects of virtual standardized patient technology in educational contexts[J]. Chinese Journal of Medical Education, 2026 , 46(5) : 331 -336 . DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20250523-00582

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