Socratic Artificial Intelligence Learning (SAIL): The Role of a Virtual Voice Assistant in Learning Orthopedic...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery Training

Background:

• Traditional study methods for orthopedic surgery residents and medical students often rely on single sensory modalities.
• Improving knowledge recall and recognition is crucial for effective surgical training and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if learning through multiple sensory modalities enhances knowledge recall and recognition in orthopedic surgery residents and medical students.
• To assess the efficacy of a novel virtual study assistant, Socratic Artificial Intelligence Learning (SAIL), compared to traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study with a within-subjects, repeated measures design was employed.
• Participants engaged in 10 days of spaced repetition training using oral, typed, and multiple-choice response modalities via the SAIL AI tool.
• Knowledge recall and recognition were assessed through pre-tests and post-tests at multiple intervals (1 day, 1 week, 2 months).

Main Results:

• All three learning modalities (oral, typed, multiple-choice) demonstrated similar rates of knowledge recall and recognition.
• While participants favored multiple-choice for standardized exams, they expressed interest in using SAIL to supplement their studies.
• Participants believed SAIL could enhance performance in both written and oral examinations.

Conclusions:

• The SAIL virtual study assistant is not inferior to the multiple-choice modality for learning core orthopedic knowledge.
• SAIL serves as a valuable supplementary tool to traditional study methods for medical trainees.
• This technology supports the development of medical knowledge and practice-based learning and improvement.