3 innovative virtual tools for health students

DeMETeRE: committed to modernizing health studies at URCA

The development of a center of excellence in health in the Champagne-Ardenne region is one of the university’s strategic priorities. The goal is to offer high-quality training that aligns with the region’s specific needs and socio-economic context, while addressing concerns related to professional integration.

The DeMETeRE project is part of this modernization effort for health-related studies. This includes the use of new tools such as simulation to enhance learning, both clinically and interpersonally.

Faculty of Medicine: an AI-powered conversational simulator

The Faculty of Medicine and Midwifery observed that many of its students struggle to respond appropriately to patient and healthcare professional reactions. These situations, common in their future practice, require strong communication and adaptability skills.

In response, the Faculty of Medicine and Midwifery, in collaboration with the DeMETeRE team, decided to implement an innovative solution to improve future healthcare professionals’ ability to respond appropriately and professionally in various scenarios.

After consideration, the chosen solution was the creation of a conversational simulator, accessible via computer or tablet. Immersed in realistic scenarios, this simulator will allow learners to take on the role of a healthcare professional and interact virtually with patients or colleagues. The tool uses artificial intelligence technology to dynamically generate responses, ensuring more realistic exchanges tailored to different clinical contexts.

This system is expected to be tested in real conditions starting in September 2025.

Contact: DeMETeRE project – demetere@univ-reims.fr

Faculty of Dentistry: learning dental anatomy in virtual reality

Second-year Dentistry students must quickly acquire three-dimensional skills in dental anatomy. Without prior experience, instructors noticed difficulties in visualizing 3D models.

Supported by the DeMETeRE project, the Faculty of Dentistry has turned to virtual reality technology to make dental anatomy more accessible through interactive, realistic 3D models, explored via VR headsets. Through immersive educational scenarios, the goal is to engage students and improve understanding of clinical relevance.

Working individually or in pairs, students can manipulate and identify dental structures in full immersion. Instructors can quiz them at each step of the virtual scenario and encourage peer discussion. Students will then answer a series of questions for assessment.

After successful testing, this simulation will be partially integrated into practical sessions starting September 2025.

Contact: Christina Maillet – christina.maillet@univ-reims.fr

Faculty of Pharmacy: a virtual microbiology analysis laboratory

During microbiology practical sessions, fourth-year Pharmacy students work with relatively outdated tools that no longer reflect current laboratory practices.

The Faculty of Pharmacy, supported by DeMETeRE, decided to create a virtual microbiology laboratory to give students access to modern equipment and methods they will encounter professionally, using simulation.

Virtual scenarios, accessible on tablets, guide students through each step, from sample collection to result analysis. Three scenarios were designed: bacterial identification by mass spectrometry, detection of specific microorganisms (PCR), and Salmonella identification (serotyping).

This system will be integrated into the curriculum during 2025.

Contact: Marius Colin – marius.colin@univ-reims.fr