NYU Pilot Study on Primary Care Office Visit: Antibiotics

The study examined the potential utility of two newly-developed virtual human role-play simulations designed to promote effective communication and collaborative decision-making between healthcare providers and patients in order to improve health outcomes, including over-prescribing of antibiotics. Primary care providers were affiliated with NYU Langone Medical Center, providing care across four healthcare facilities: Bellevue Hospital, Gouverneur Health, Veterans Affairs NY Harbor Healthcare System’s New York Campus, and the NYU Faculty Group Practice. Patients were from New York City Health+Hospital Bellevue Ambulatory Care Practice.

77% of providers reported that the simulation had a positive impact on the way they communicate with patients
65% of providers indicated that it helped them have a conversation with patients about antibiotics
94% of providers said that they intend to further invite patients to ask questions and participate
89% of providers said they would recommend the simulation to other physicians
100% of providers said they would recommend it to medical students and residents

Providers also reported that the simulation was a much better learning tool than the standardized patient model, as they felt more comfortable and free to make decisions within the virtual space.

79% of patients who saw their doctor after completing the simulation reported that it helped them in talking with their doctor
87% of patients said they would recommend it to their friends and family
97% of patients rated it as a very useful tool saying that it would help them to: be better prepared for a doctor’s appointment, increase assertiveness when communicating with their physician, create a treatment plan, and learn specific content about antibiotics

The PI of the study was Antoinette Schoenthaler, EdD, Assistant Professor of Population Health and Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, Center for Healthful Behavior Change.