Tips for creating realistic virtual patients

The quality of a virtual patient depends on the script you provide. A clear, detailed script ensures the AI can realistically portray the patient and provide a valuable learning experience for your students.  

Institutions can create both history taking and counselling virtual patient scenarios. The Geeky Medics team can advise you on how best to structure and refine your scripts to match your curriculum.

What to include in a history taking script

For history taking scenarios, students are expected to gather information by asking questions. A strong script should include:

• Presenting complaint
• History of presenting complaint: onset, duration, severity, and associated symptoms (including important negatives and red flags)
• Relevant past medical, drug, and family history  
• Ideas, concerns, and expectations (ICE): what the patient thinks is going on, what they are worried about, and what they hope for  
• Social history: lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, or occupation  
• Emotional tone: how the patient feels (e.g. anxious, frustrated, relieved)

What to include in a counselling script

For counselling scenarios, the focus is on explaining information and supporting the patient. Useful details to include are:

• Reason for consultation: e.g. new diagnosis, starting treatment, or a planned procedure  
• Patient’s existing knowledge: what they already understand about their condition or treatment  
• Patient’s concerns: what they are worried about or struggling with  
• Patient reactions: how the patient might respond emotionally or verbally to certain explanations  
• Questions the patient might ask: so the interaction feels natural and realistic  

Why detail matters

The more detail you include, the more realistic and educational the consultation will be. Detailed scripts ensure:

• Students practise realistic questioning and communication skills  
• The AI provides consistent and accurate responses  
• Learning outcomes align with your curriculum  

Vague or incomplete scripts can result in unnatural conversations, as the AI will have to fill in gaps and make assumptions.  

Support from Geeky Medics

If you are unsure how to structure a script or would like feedback, the Geeky Medics team can advise and help you refine your cases.

Updated on: 03/09/2025