Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40630231›Full record

ArticleObesity science & practice2025

A Pilot Feasibility Study Exploring the Preliminary Effectiveness of an AI-Driven Virtual Human Intervention for General Practitioner Obesity Education and Communication-Skills Training.

Leona Ryan, Sean Coleman, Triinu Zimmermann, Rory Coyne, Elizabeth Broadbent, Anne Browne, Grainne O'Donoghue, Fiona Quigley, Hemendra Worlikar, Cornelia Connolly and 5 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Obesity science & practice, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

15 authors.

Leona RyanSchool of Psychology University of Galway Galway Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2385-3439
Sean ColemanHealth Innovation via Engineering Laboratory University of Galway Galway Ireland.
Triinu ZimmermannSchool of Psychology University of Galway Galway Ireland.
Rory CoyneSchool of Psychology University of Galway Galway Ireland.
Elizabeth BroadbentDepartment of Psychological Medicine The University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand.
Anne BrowneMedicine College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences University of Galway Galway Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8207-4446
Grainne O'DonoghueSchool of Public Health Physiotherapy and Sports Science University College Dublin Dublin Ireland.
Fiona QuigleySchool of Communication and Media Ulster University Belfast UK.
Hemendra WorlikarHealth Innovation via Engineering Laboratory University of Galway Galway Ireland.
Cornelia ConnollySchool of Education College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies University of Galway Galway Ireland.
Michael CrottyIrish College for General Practitioners (ICGP) Dublin Ireland.
Susie BirneyIrish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO) Dublin Ireland.
Owen ConlanSchool of Computer Science and Statistics Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland.
Jane C WalshSchool of Psychology University of Galway Galway Ireland.
Derek O'KeeffeHealth Innovation via Engineering Laboratory University of Galway Galway Ireland.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Rising global obesity rates demand effective weight management strategies from general practitioners (GPs). However, time constraints, training gaps, and low confidence often impede GPs' ability to conduct weight-based conversations. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an AI-driven Virtual Human (VH) obesity education and communication-skills training tool, specifically designed to address these challenges and enhance obesity education and communication-skills among GPs. Methods: A pilot feasibility study with a pre-post survey design evaluated the impact of the VH tool on knowledge, self-efficacy, empathy toward patients with obesity, and confidence in clinical consultations. Participant perceptions, trust, and intention to use the VH tool were explored. Paired-sample Results: A total of 22 GPs were recruited. Despite some attrition, significant improvements were observed in knowledge ( Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the potential of an AI-driven VH tool to enhance GP obesity education and communication skills. The observed improvements in key outcomes support the potential of VH technology in medical education on obesity. To further establish the efficacy and explore the broader applicability, future research should focus on larger, controlled trials across various provider groups. Overall, these preliminary observations highlight a promising avenue for enhancing the skills of a wider range of providers in the obesity treatment space.

Indexed as

Artificial intelligencemedical educationobesityperson‐centred care

Identifiers

PMID40630231
PMCPMC12236261

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.