The experience consisted of an interactive simulation as part of the subject of Pain Psychology. Each group of students a profile of a patient suffering from chronic pain and prepared a clinical interview script. During the practical session, an AI model was used to act as the patient. The students conducted the interview according to the established script, obtaining responses consistent with the simulated condition. Some groups explored the possibility of administering psychometric tests to the AI to see how it would respond based on the clinical case. This interaction offered a realistic opportunity to work on communication and evaluation skills in a controlled, risk-free environment. The exercise facilitated reflection on the diagnostic process, and generated useful discussions to prepare for sessions with real patients. The interview also served as a training session, so that students would then be able to apply it in a real case situation.

1. Preparation and familiarisation with the essential materials and protocols necessary for interviewing patients suffering from chronic pain, including informed consent, structured or semi-structured interviews, and assessment questionnaires. 
2. Develop a plan for conducting the interview, including establishing the objective, the methodology to be followed, and time management.
3. Practical simulation: role-playing to practise the interview, with an emphasis on identifying the patient's needs and reviewing interaction techniques. 

Phase 1. Theoretical preparation

Prior reading of teaching materials and recommended bibliography on clinical interviews and chronic pain.

Conceptual introduction to the role of AI in the simulation of clinical cases.

Resources are available to students to help them understand the skills they will need to put into practice.

Phase 2. Guided observation

Viewing of videos (15-30 minutes) with examples of real and simulated clinical interviews.

Subsequent group discussion on the therapeutic skills observed (use of a rubric to guide the debate).

Shared critical analysis in open discussion to encourage collective reflection.

Phase 3. Design of the clinical interview

Structured group script: introduction, development and conclusion.

Preparation of informed consent and planning of the assessment structure.

Optional: design of information gathering techniques and application of questionnaires.

Phase 4. Simulation with AI

Each group configures the AI model to act as a patient suffering with chronic pain.

Interview role-play (maximum duration 15 minutes).

Students practise the interview with the AI as their interlocutor, obtaining simulated responses adapted for the clinical case.

Phase 5. Feedback and co-evaluation

Assessment of the script and conducting of the interview in accordance with the rubric provided.

Exchange of oral and written feedback between groups and with teaching staff.

Review of formal aspects (structure, technique, empathy, non-verbal communication).

Phase 6. Practical application

Students apply the interview they have worked on to a real patient in a subsequent session.

Final reflection on the transfer of transfer of skills from simulation to clinical practice.
 

A context and specifications had to be provided to ChatGPT beforehand. This is the prompt template I used:
TEMPLATE FOR THE DESIGN OF SIMULATED PROFILES WITH SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

AI context:

We are conducting a university clinical simulation exercise [if applicable: in subject XXXX]. You, [name of AI], act as a patient with [name of condition] [and if applicable: possible psychiatric symptoms or associated problems]. I will act as the therapist and conduct a clinical interview. 

Specific instructions for the AI:

• Pretend to be a genuine patient, with a coherent history and personal details [if applicable: specify gender, age, family situation, etc.] If I ask. 
• Answer my questions as a patient with [name of condition, symptoms and associated problems] would. 
• Adapt your speech according to the tone and level of empathy shown during the interview. 
• If I ask you to fill out questionnaires [if applicable: indicate questionnaires], respond according to the symptoms you are simulating at that time. 
• You may show doubts, emotions, or resistance characteristic of a real patient. 
• Do not provide additional information unless I specifically ask for it, and avoid acting like a healthcare professional. 
• Always wait for my question before continuing. 

Let’s start

Additional recommendations:

• You can add specific details (age, profession, family situation, etc.) depending on the clinical case you wish to simulate. 
• If you wish to simulate a specific profile (for example, a 45-year-old man with chronic lumbar pain and anxiety), you can add it to the initial prompt. 
• If you want the AI to be more expressive or to show certain emotions, please specify this as well.