Harnessing the power of conversations with virtual humans to change health behaviors

Abstract

Skillful, collaborative conversations are powerful tools to improve physical and mental health. Whether you are a parent talking with your child about the dangers of substance abuse, an educator concerned about a student's signs of psychological distress, a veteran worried about a buddy who is contemplating suicide, or a healthcare professional wanting to better engage patients to increase treatment compliance, having the skill, confidence and motivation to engage in conversations can truly transform the health and well-being of those you interact with. Kognito develops role-play simulations that prepare individuals to effectively lead real-life conversations that measurably improve social, emotional, and physical health. The behavior change model that drives the simulations draws upon components of game mechanics, virtual human simulation technology and integrates evidence-based instructional design components as well as principles of social-cognitive theory and neuroscience such as motivational interviewing, emotional regulation, empathy and mindfulness. In the simulations, users or enter a risk-free practice environment and engage in a conversation with intelligent, fully animated, and emotionally responsive virtual characters that model human behavior. It is in practicing these conversations, and receiving feedback from a virtual coach, that users learn to better lead conversations in real life. Numerous longitudinal studies have shown that users who complete Kognito simulations demonstrate statistically significant and sustained increases in attitudinal variables that predict behavior change including preparedness, likelihood, and self-efficacy to better manage conversations. Pending the target population, each online or mobile simulation resulted in desired behavior changes ranging from increased referrals of students, patients or veterans in psychological distress to mental health support services, or increasing physician patient-centered communication or patient self-confidence and active involved in the decision-making processes. These simulations have demonstrated a capability to address major health and public health concerns where effective conversations are necessary to bring about changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Nurse-Led Delivery of Brief Interventions for At-Risk Alcohol Use: An Integrative Review

“…In addition to didactic learning, students can engage in role-play simulations that will prepare them to lead real-life conversations in the clinical setting. In such simulations, users enter a risk-free practice environment and engage in a conversation with intelligent, fully animated, and emotionally responsive virtual characters that model human behavior (Albright, Adam, Serri, Bleeker, & Goldman, 2016). Additionally, it is vital to provide clinical exposure wherein students have opportunities to implement screening and ABIs in caring for patients (Mahmoud et al, 2018).…”

Using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Enhance Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Identifying Areas of Clinical Adoption and Potential Obstacles

“…Advances in VR allow users to enter a fully immersive environment and have simulated interactions with virtual humans (31). Practice with virtual humans has also demonstrated effectiveness as a way to train for difficult conversations (32). A recent study found that virtual patient simulations can be an effective tool for developing brief clinical interviewing skills among behavioral health providers (33).…”

Suicide risk assessment training using an online virtual patient simulation

“…Online virtual patient simulations (VPS) allow practitioners the opportunity to experience working with patients in a safe, risk-free environment. When used as a training modality, VPS can be particularly useful because they allow for repetition in practice with difficult scenarios a practitioner may face, which can help to develop critical knowledge and expertise (19)(20)(21)(22). VPS can be used to teach complex skills and provide opportunities for the practice, as well as assessment, of skills (23).…”

“…However, there are barriers to this modality, such as the cost of bringing in trainers or paid actors for in-person trainings, logistics of coordinating in-person trainings with busy providers, and productivity losses when staff are taken away from patient care to complete trainings. Another drawback to in-person role-plays and live practice is that participants often experience discomfort and fear practicing in front of their peers (20).…”