Integrating GenAI in a Post-Licensure Pathophysiology Course to Enhance Communication Skills and Promote AI Literacy

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Background:

• Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, offering new pedagogical tools.
• Nursing education requires innovative methods to teach complex pathophysiology.
• There is a growing need for AI literacy among healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) into a post-licensure nursing pathophysiology course.
• To assess the impact of GenAI on students' comprehension of complex medical concepts.
• To evaluate the enhancement of communication skills and AI literacy in nursing students.

Main Methods:

• Students utilized AI tools within a pathophysiology course to develop patient education pamphlets.
• The curriculum incorporated critical evaluation of AI-generated content.
• Ethical considerations of AI in healthcare were addressed.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated improved comprehension of complex medical concepts through AI-assisted learning.
• Communication skills were enhanced via the creation of patient education materials.
• Students developed critical evaluation skills for AI-generated content and increased AI literacy.

Conclusions:

• Integrating Generative AI into nursing pathophysiology courses is a viable strategy for enhancing learning.
• This approach prepares future nurses for the increasing role of AI in healthcare.
• The pedagogical method fosters deeper learning and addresses ethical AI use in patient care.