Carle Health

Angelia DeWeese

Angelia Deweese, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and Simulation Program Manager at Carle Health, leads innovative simulation-based learning. With nearly a decade in L&D,  she empowers educators and healthcare professionals to advance skills, critical thinking, and improve organizational processes.

Reimagining Healthcare Simulation

As with every facet of modern technology, healthcare simulation is undergoing a pivotal shift in its delivery model—driven by the rapid unveiling of artificial intelligence in the workplace. This evolution is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a fundamental reimagining of how simulation-based education, training, and process improvement initiatives are designed, delivered, and evaluated.

Over the past year, healthcare simulation conferences have increasingly centered around the utilization of artificial intelligence, with keynote presentations and workshops consistently focused on exploring its purpose, implementation strategies, and ethical considerations. This growing emphasis reflects a broader industry shift toward reimagining simulation through the lens of AI-driven innovation.

AI for Simulation Scenario Design

One of the most immediate and impactful shifts simulation professionals are experiencing is in scenario design and development. Traditionally, this process could span several hours, involving collaborative meetings with subject matter experts to define learning objectives and map out the scenario pathway. With the integration of artificial intelligence, however, simulation scenarios can now be generated within minutes. These AI-generated drafts serve as a foundation that can be quickly refined and validated by experts, significantly accelerating the development cycle while maintaining educational integrity.

AI as the Simulator

Another promising area of exploration within Carle Health’s Simulation Program is the use of artificial intelligence to simulate patient interactions. AI offers a unique opportunity to provide accessible, scalable, and flexible training environments where team members can practice high-impact communication skills in realistic, low-risk settings.

“What drives us is a deep sense of urgency—a recognition that the intersection of AI and healthcare simulation holds transformative potential”

Imagine a scenario where a teammate learns to verbally de-escalate a distressed patient in the Emergency Department or a behavioral health unit—guided by an AI-powered chatbot designed to mimic real-world responses. Or consider the potential of AI to help learners refine empathy, ask open-ended questions, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with greater confidence and skill.

While the idea of using AI as the simulator may feel unfamiliar or even daunting, we believe it is essential to begin exploring these pathways. The potential benefits in terms of reach, efficiency, and depth of learning are too significant to ignore. By thoughtfully integrating AI into our simulation practices, we aim to expand access, enhance realism, and better prepare our teams for the evolving demands of patient care.

AI for Simulation Training

Carle Health, we employ a train-the-trainer model to educate team members on the fundamental principles of healthcare simulation. This includes instruction on standards of best practice, effective pre-briefing and debriefing techniques, manikin operation, and completing after-action reports. To further enhance accessibility and consistency in simulation education, we are currently developing a chatbot named Simmy using Copilot Studio. Simmy will serve as an interactive learning tool, guiding teammates through the process of designing and executing effective healthcare simulations.

AI for Inventory Management

In a highly practical application, Carle Health used artificial intelligence to research effective inventory management solutions for our simulation equipment. Beyond identifying suitable applications, AI also has the capability to generate customized inventory and checkout systems tailored to the unique needs of healthcare simulation environments. This not only streamlines operational workflows but also enhances equipment tracking, availability, and accountability across simulation programs.

AI for Efficiency

As part of Carle Health’s ongoing commitment to innovation in experiential learning, a pilot program was launched using Bodyswaps—a virtual reality platform designed to cultivate soft skills through immersive, scenario-based simulations. To assess the impact and effectiveness of this initiative, artificial intelligence was employed to analyze participant data.

The insights generated through this AI-driven analysis informed the creation of a comprehensive white paper, developed to guide learners, organizational leaders, and stakeholders. While this may appear to be a straightforward application of technology, it significantly enhances efficiency. It streamlines our work—allowing us to focus more on delivering high-impact learning and process improvement experiences.

AI for the Future

 Carle Health’s Simulation Program is driven by a bold and forward-thinking vision: to be trailblazing experts and innovators in healthcare simulation. We are committed to advancing healthcare quality and patient safety, delivering highly accessible, world-class care and services, and empowering our team members to serve as trusted partners in healthcare—alongside patients—through the transformative power of simulation.

We pursue this mission with both courage and humility, recognizing that meaningful progress requires continuous learning, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

In alignment with our vision, we are intentionally and thoughtfully exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into our current and future simulation practices with a deliberate sense of urgency. Some of our ideas are well-defined, others are experimental, and many are open-ended as we navigate the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare. What drives us is a deep sense of urgency—a recognition that the intersection of AI and healthcare simulation holds transformative potential. By embracing this frontier, we aim to enhance efficiency, deepen insight, and improve outcomes for both learners and patients.