Beyond the Buzz: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
Research shows promising results in easing concerns and fears about AI. I’ll admit—I was initially skeptical and even fearful of using it. But over time, curiosity replaced fear, and I began exploring how AI could assist me.
To learn more, I reached out to Roland DePratti, an expert in the field. Roland’s interest in AI began during his professional career, where he observed that high-quality data often led to better outcomes. As companies started storing massive amounts of data, they needed faster, more accurate analysis than humans could provide, prompting the adoption of AI techniques. In the podcast, he further describes his story and what sparked his interest in researching AI in healthcare. Roland demystified the fears surrounding the use of AI and explored its benefits in the workplace. In addition, existing literature suggests that overreliance on AI-generated responses may hinder students' development of critical thinking and clinical reasoning. This includes challenges such as reduced original thought and a lack of contextual understanding among learners.
Educators should be mindful of potential inaccuracies in AI-generated data when selecting teaching strategies and tools. Many AI tools used in clinical settings are designed to support clinicians, not to enhance their knowledge or make final decisions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a variety of potential applications in health professions education, such as personalized learning or performance assessment. A large amount of information can be used to evaluate the performance and progress of students using AI-based learning analytics tools. Many AI-based tools used in clinical settings are designed to provide assistance to clinicians rather than increase their knowledge. Roland's research clarifies this even further. Literature data also indicate some situations, which may negatively impact the development of critical thinking and/or clinical reasoning of learners, such as an overreliance on AI-tool-generated responses, a lack of original thoughts of learners, or a lack of contextual understanding of the AI-generated responses. Educators and developers should integrate AI into blended learning environments that balance technological capabilities with human interaction.
Here is a systematic review to help you learn more and determine how this may or may not work for you in your profession: https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-06719-5?utm_source=chatgpt.com#citeas
Roland DePratti’s research/repository;
http://github.com/rdpratti/Medical-MIMIC-Research
In summary, AI shows promise in helping healthcare and education become more efficient in a shorter amount of time. It will provide us with tools that make that difference. AI—fueled by DNA, sensors, and digital twins—can transform healthcare and education. For real impact, professionals must define clear objectives, tailor models to their specific needs, require transparency, and continuously refine them based on feedback.
Key Takeaways and the Future of AI
1. The emergence of evidence with AI tools shows positive effects, particularly on skills, engagement, and assessment, but robust links to behavioral or long-term educational outcomes are limited.
2. Methodological shortcomings: Most reviews reveal small sample sizes, lack of RCTs, and a need for stronger outcome measures and theoretical frameworks.
3. Targeted utility: AI works well for formative tasks—quizzes, feedback, simulations—but its value in high-stakes or workplace-level learning is still unproven.
4. Next steps: Develop well-designed, larger-scale trials with valid endpoints (e.g., clinical performance, real-world competencies), aligned with sound pedagogical theories.
Conclusion:
Evidence supports AI’s role in enhancing training, simulation, and formative feedback across healthcare and education. However, larger, theory-guided, and outcomes-focused research is essential to move beyond early promise to lasting impact on professional competence and patient/student success.
Your engagement matters:
Which of these strategies would most benefit you?
Roland can be contacted at LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/roland-depratti
Find out more about demystifying AI by listening to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2293541/episodes/17360655
