Virtual patients are computer simulations of clinical encounters where the learner plays the role of a healthcare provider by interacting with an on-screen patient. Typically this includes interviewing, examining, ordering diagnostic tests, making a diagnosis and prescribing therapy.

Medical educators can use vpSim to:

• create branched-narrative cases that engage student learning through decision points that have consequences affecting the patient
• design cases using a Flash-based graphical user interface
• track student performance metrics such as cost, time spent, and quality of care
• exchange and adapt cases from other institutions using the MedBiquitous Virtual Patient XML data standard

Virtual Patient Case Template (Word)
vpSim Authoring Guide (PDF)
Virtual Patient Authoring Best Practices (PDF)