AI-Assisted Virtual Reality Simulation for Therapeutic Ambient Communication: An Integrative Review

Artificial intelligence-enabled ambient speech recognition technology is an emerging innovation poised to transform how nurses care for and engage with patients through conversational narration of care. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to examine the current evidence of artificial intelligence-enabled virtual reality simulation as a tool for developing competencies in therapeutic communication and health assessment.

A systematic search of EBSCOhost CINAHL, PubMed, and OVID was conducted. Data were extracted and synthesized to identify themes and patterns.

A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria; none were conducted with practicing nurses. Findings revealed a mixed association between the use of artificial intelligence-enabled virtual reality patient simulation and communication and physical assessment skill development in nursing students. Three key domains were examined, including therapeutic communication outcomes, learning effectiveness measured by confidence and self-efficacy, and virtual reality usability.

A literature gap exists around virtual reality's efficacy for conversational assessment training, particularly for practicing nurses. Ambient voice technology is rapidly evolving and will become standard nursing practice. Future nursing research on virtual patient simulation should be conducted to understand its role in the success of ambient technology and establish a foundation for future nursing practice and education.