Reading the title and abstract, I expected an article looking at the growing, post-COVID trend to virtual patients. This article provides that perspective, addressing limitations of SPs—especially budgetary—and the benefits (and limits) of recent advances in virtual options. However, the bulk of the article is dedicated to both exploring the extent of those virtual options and providing a brief history of virtual patients (VPs), starting from their beginnings in the late 90s. Hamilton et al. describe the capabilities of VPs as they evolved from the earliest “problem-solving” type to the later “narrative” or “systematic” type, comparing the relative strengths at each stage. The article is worth reading by those interested in the SP vs. VP debate, but I would also—and more strongly—recommend it for anyone interested in the evolution of computerized patients over the past 30 years.

Read the full article in Cureus here.

 

Communications and Connections Committee Mission: “To bring high-quality reporting of current research, trends, techniques and information regarding SP methodology and other relevant industry articles to the attention of the membership through the web-based ASPE eNews blog.”