OSCEai: personalized interactive learning for undergraduate medical education

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the OSCEai, a large language model-based platform that simulates clinical encounters, in enhancing undergraduate medical education. Methods: A web-based application, OSCEai, was developed to bridge theoretical and practical learning. Following use, medical students from the University of Calgary Class of 2026 completed an anonymized survey on the usability, utility, and overall experience of OSCEai. Results: A total of 37 respondents answered the anonymized survey. The OSCEai platform was highly valued for its ability to provide data on demand (33/37), support self-paced learning (30/37), and offer realistic patient interactions (29/37). The ease of use and medical content quality were rated at 4.73 (95% CI: 4.58 to 4.88) and 4.70 (95% CI: 4.55 to 4.86) out of 5, respectively. Some participants (8/37) commented that few cases were not representative and needed clarification about app functionality. Despite these limitations, OSCEai was favorably compared to lecture-based teaching methods, with an overall reception rating of 4.62 (95% CI: 4.46 to 4.79) out of 5. Interpretation: The OSCEai platform fills a gap in medical training through its scalable, interactive, and personalized design. The findings suggest that integrating technologies, like OSCEai, into medical curricula can enhance the quality and efficacy of medical education.