Building confident, empathetic healthcare professionals with VR & AI at Northern Kentucky University

About

Named as one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbes eleven years in a row, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) empowers
students in under- and post-graduate programs across a variety of sectors. 

NKU’s Center for Simulation Education, led by Director and Associate Professor Gina Fieler, implemented Bodyswaps to
support the development of critical soft skills in their healthcare programs.

With a need to scale immersive learning while managing resources, Bodyswaps offered an engaging, effective solution.

• Fill a gap in simulation curriculum by offering scalable soft skills training
• Reduce student anxiety ahead of clinical placements through experiential learning
• Introduce a platform that supports self-reflection and critical communication skills

Deployment

VR and accessibility

NKU primarily used Meta headsets for immersive delivery, with iPad access available for students prone to migraines or motion sickness. This flexible setup allowed all students to participate without barriers.

Expansion to the Mental Health curriculum

Faculty leveraged Bodyswaps’ AI roleplay templates to create a custom scenario involving a patient interview. Students needed to actively probe and ask the right questions to uncover a complex patient backstory.

Debriefs are key

Students’ time in Bodyswaps was followed by group debrief sessions which allowed students to reflect on what they learned, the feedback they received, and how it might apply to real-life clinical settings.

Alumni outreach

Bodyswaps was also used successfully during donor and alumni events, offering a simple yet impactful way to showcase simulation experiences without requiring intensive setup or staff time.

Results

After one session of our Active Listening module:

• 85% of students would recommend Bodyswaps to their peers
• 92% of students identified areas to improve on their Active Listening skills
• 85% of students increased their understanding of the module topic

Impact

• Students reported feeling more prepared and less anxious about clinical encounters. VR served as a safe, lower-stress introduction to patient interaction.
• Bodyswaps provided a sustainable way to scale one-on-one learning experiences without the cost and logistics of hiring actors.

Advice

• Experience the content first to better support students during debriefs and troubleshoot any technical issues.
• Be sure to utilise the customization features in order to truly tailor content to your students and your curriculum.
• Think beyond your own discipline: Soft skills are universal and Bodyswaps can add value across a wide range of academic and professional programs.

Future plans

Northern Kentucky University plans to expand Bodyswaps into upper-level nursing courses, including leadership training, and advanced programs like occupational therapy and doctoral nursing. The goal is to offer more complex scenarios as students progress. 

There is also interest from the School of Business, with plans to explore how Bodyswaps can support soft skills training beyond healthcare, such as in sales and communication.